Mythical creatures reimagined

A crouching Medusa has its index finger to its lips as if to keep someone quiet. It is titled “Medusa Tamed.” Another figure, “Hermaphrodite,” is hiding its body under rags.

Such curious characters inspired by myth populate Sohn Jung-hee’s solo exhibition “Adjustments,” which opens Friday at Gallery Sejul in Pyeongchang-dong, central Seoul.

Exhibits also include figures of Zeus, Cupid and Satyr reinterpreted through Sohn’s unique imagination. She sees them as creatures that had to make commitments and adjustments in one way or another to fulfill their desires.

“The Zeus I expressed is dissatisfied with the fact that he always has to transform into other animals, and wonders why women do not simply comply. Even Almighty Zeus has to compromise -- turn into a ridiculous animal -- to fulfill his desire,” said the artist. 

Sohn received a B.A. degree in Art History at Barnard College in the U.S. and obtained an M.A. in Ceramic Arts at Hongik University in Seoul. While she has participated in many group exhibitions so far, this is her second solo exhibition.

Sohn is the wife of Rep. Jungwook Hong of the ruling Grand National Party.

The exhibition runs through Oct. 31 at Gallery Sejul in Pyeongchang-dong, central Seoul. For more information, call (02) 391-9171 or visit www.sejul.com. 

By Park Min-young (claire@heraldcorp.com)