'I begin all my artworks by first calmly observing the space I'm working in, and therefore, sensing and understanding the reverberations of the architectural space is extremely important for my works. When I first come into contact with a new space, I always get a sense of these low reverberations, which likely come from the weight of the stone or steel used in its construction, or the heavy geometric structures of the straight lines of the space and the heavy sense of rhythm that they create. Regardless, rather than completely monopolizing the space, this echo, as a form of emptiness, wraps itself around and caresses everything that remains in the space while vibrating lightly and softly. Within the freedom permitted by this vibration, I forge ahead with my work as if attempting to complete this tone.' – Jong Oh

From 29 August to 30 September, ONE AND J. Gallery will be hosting a solo exhibition by artist Jong Oh (b. 1981) titled First Echo. Jong Oh seeks to inject flexibility into rigid geometric architectural spaces through his site-specific installations and sculptures, which he creates by reacting to the space he is working in. This is Jong Oh's first solo exhibition at ONE AND J. Gallery. His installation works and sculptures interact with the unique features and lighting characteristics of the three floors of the ONE AND J. Gallery building. The exhibit includes nine works by Jong Oh, including Room Drawing (Light) #2 (2022), a site-specific installation that spans the entire three floors of the gallery; Line Sculpture #22 (2022), Parallel Drawing (semicircle, gold) #1 (2022), and First Echo #2 (2022), which are geometric sculptures; and other works that are placed harmoniously throughout the gallery on stairs, the ceiling, in corners, and elsewhere.

Jong Oh begins his work by first closely examining a space; then, he focuses his attention on not just the architectural features of the space but also the minute traces of how the space has been used. In this way, he communicates with the space. As an artist concerned with the reverberation of sound within a space, Jong Oh has stated that he senses the low 'reverberations' of any space he works in. Just as a small reverberation gently gathers into a larger echo, Jong Oh's sculptures and installation works reverberate together within the space of the gallery. The visitor's experience of these three-dimensional geometric works made from simple materials such as thread, wooden and steel rods, pencil lines, and chains is influenced by a variety of variables, including the visitor's gaze and movements, invisible factors such as light and gravity, as well as the interactions between the one-dimensional lines and two-dimensional planes of the various works. Through the manipulation of these elements, Jong Oh experiments with the various dimensions and perspectives of the space.

The artworks in this exhibit are made of extremely thin materials, and therefore, it is difficult to grasp the position and shape of each work in a single glance. Therefore, by slowly examining every nook and cranny of the gallery space, visitors can experience how one's interaction with the works and the space changes depending on one's perspective and position. We have done our utmost to create a gallery environment that allows visitors to fully appreciate the exhibition. Entrance to the gallery space is controlled so that only five groups at a time can enter the space (with group size limited to four people or less).

Finally, ONE AND J. Gallery will be participating in the main section of the art fair Frieze Seoul held from 2 to 6 September 2022. We will be presenting new works by Jong Oh at Frieze Seoul, and we will also be participating in the Samcheong Night program, which is part of Frieze Week and will be taking place at major galleries in Samcheong Dong, Seoul.

Press release courtesy ONE AND J. Gallery.