
The Columns Gallery is pleased to present ’Fold & Unfold’, its first solo exhibition of the works by Korean contemporary artist Jeon Byeong Sam. The exhibition - titled based on David Bohm’s quantum theory - features four series of framed mixed-media, diptych prints, a video and some NFT pieces, exploring the intertwined relationship of sculpture, print and image-making.
Many half-folded photographic prints, stacked and layered in various uniformed arrangements, serves as the primary construction for the serial works of Moment, Cosmo, Wave, and Blossom. Jeon reduces the formal qualities of an image to a mere thin line of ink exposed through its straight edge, similar to a single row of stuck pixels on a glitched screen. In Unfold, a pair of square prints feature a central glowing light flare made out of texts extracted from books. Words are resized, arrowed and highlighted to appear as tiny bursting rays of yellow lines against a starkly contrasted background - bright and gleaming ethereally.These unconventional manipulation and qualities are also present in his NFT works and Lost, a framed video display of moving vibrant elongated stripes derived from a warped image of a tower bridge in London. Played in a loop, the lines constantly vibrate, emerge and disappear in various linear configurations to capture the hypnotic experience of walking across one.
Through Jeon’s deconstructive approach, all representational subject and the original context of the print, image or text becomes rendered insignificant, distorted and repeated to create a unique spread and echo of gradient blurs and colours. Visually, they are a materialisation of freedom - calming waves, blooming flower forms and inviting wormhole-like portals to other worlds which serves as an immersive space for one’s introspection on life. Transforming the materiality of media, the inventive and playful works in ’Fold & Unfold’ creates a dynamic installation that fully immerses the viewer in a sensorial experience, poetically tackling themes of entrapment and freedom in the daily lives of individuals.
We will also be featuring 5 NFT (Non-Fungible Token) works from Jeon Byeong Sam. A QR code can be scanned to the view the artwork in motion as a mesmerising looped video.
Jeon Beong Sam is a South Korean artist who works primarily with everyday objects and images.

A respected voice in contemporary art discourse.
Focusing on ambitious storytelling and insightful art-world commentary. Ocula Magazine publishes in-depth interviews, critical essays and timely analysis on the artists, exhibitions and ideas driving the global art world.
Learn more about Ocula Magazine
Showcasing the best of the art world.
Ocula partners with galleries from around the world to highlight their artists, artworks and exhibitions. Gallery membership is by application and invitation, with each member vetted by an independent panel.
Learn more about Ocula Membership
Specialises in the sale of major artworks.
Led by a team with deep ties to the world’s leading auction houses, galleries and collectors. Ocula’s advisory team offers bespoke services to high-net-worth clients from around the world who are looking to acquire the best of contemporary and modern art.
Learn more about our team and services