EUM 1113 (2024), Oil on Canvas

Oil painting by Hong Ilwha (2024)

Hong Ilhwa is deeply inspired by the Gotjawal Forest on Jeju Island, an ecosystem unique to South Korea. This forest, characterized by its biodiversity and ecological importance, is a place of reflection for the artist on the themes of coexistence, resilience and transformation. The series EUM reflects this inspiration, translating the essence of the forest through artistic representations that capture its complexity and intrinsic beauty.

The EUM Series is distinguished by the use of black and white, creating a striking contrast that highlights the complexity and beauty of natural forms. The works in this series feature compositions where natural elements, such as trees and forests, are depicted with special attention to detail and texture. This monochrome approach accentuates the depth and sculptural dimension of the subjects, offering a new perspective on nature.
The term EUM (음) in Korean can be associated with concepts such as sound, resonance, or shadow, evoking notions of duality and complementarity. In the context of this series, he suggests an exploration of the hidden or subtle aspects of nature, highlighting the interactions between light and dark, presence and absence.

Hong Ilhwa is a Korean visual artist born in 1974 in Suwon, South Korea. He lives and works between Le Mans (France) and Seoul (South Korea). A graduate of the École des Beaux-Arts in France, he obtained the DNSEP (Diplôme National Supérieur d’Expression Plastique) in 2003. He is a member of the SONAMU association, which brings together Korean artists in France, and serves as a public relations ambassador for the Korean Association for the Future Environment. Hong Ilhwa’s work explores themes such as nature, ecology, and women’s rights. He draws particular inspiration from the primeval forest, which he considers a wild, mysterious ecological space filled with vital energy. His works reflect nature’s desire to rebuild life where it has been destroyed, illustrating the cycle of destruction and rebirth. Hong Ilhwa has presented her works in numerous solo and group exhibitions, both in South Korea and internationally.

Solo shows (selection)

2025 <<Forest of Gaya>> gallery Mary, Seoul (Korea)
2024 <<Forest is Color>> gallery The Key, Seoul (Korea)
<<Pattern of Time>> Gahyun Art gallery, Ilsan (Korea)
<<When the light breathes>> Alleme Art Space, Seoul (Korea)
<<Border – The possibility>> gallery MHK, Seoul (Korea)
<<As is>> Schengen gallery, Gwangju (Korea)
<<Byeotnwi, Ecriture de la Lumiere>> Art salon H, Seoul (Korea)
<<Shaft of Sunlight>> Venus gallery, Hanam (Korea)
2023 <<Over and over>> Ami Art Museum, Dangjin (Korea)
<<Garden, Hongilhwa x D’strict>> Arte Museum, Jejudo (Korea)
<<Epine de Lumiere>> Gallery M9, Seoul (Korea)
<<Weeds>> Gallery Mill Studio, Seoul (Korea)
<<Color Of Thorns>> Niche Gallery, Tokyo (Japan)
<<The Forest>> Pium Museum, Goseong (Korea)
<<Weeds – The Beginning Of a Forest>> Allme Art Space, Seoul (Korea)
2022 <<Epine>> ArtsKoco Gallery, (Luxembourg)
<<Notre Nature>> Espace Icare, Issy les Moulineaux (France)
<<Forest XR>> Gallery XR, Seoul (Korea)
<<Epine>> Gallery Mari, Seoul (Korea)
<<Correspondances>> Gallery Yedong, Busan (Korea)
2021 <<Thorns>> Polestarart Gallery, Seoul (Korea)
<<Foret de l’Epine>> Gallery Youngsun, Suwon (Korea)
<<Deep face>> ArtlabWaSan, jeju(Korea)
2020 <<Nature & Human>> Shuim museum, Seoul (Korea)
<<Into the forest>> Allme Art Space, Seoul (Korea)
<<Hongilhwa>> Onggi Art Hall, Seoul (Korea)
<<Forest>> Espace Rhizome, Changwon (Korea)
<<Ephemeral Landscape>> Gallery Mari, Seoul (Korea)