Gallery T Dongtan to host Joo Hu-sik solo exhibition 'To my dear friend'

NBNTV = Ban Jae-dong. Gallery T announced that it will host artist Joo Hu-sik's solo exhibition, 'To my dear friend,' at the main building of Lotte Department Store Dongtan from today, the 22nd, until the 14th of next month.

The exhibition is designed to explore the meaning of bonds and relationships in modern society through the medium of emotional exchange between pets and humans.

The title, 'To my dear friend,' was inspired by a message addressed to a being that provides comfort by one's side. Joo has long used the forms of dogs, which maintain deep emotional connections with humans, to express the emotions and relationships within human society.

The artist explained that his work began with a critical awareness of the relationship between humans and animals. He noted that observing practices such as artificially altering animal appearances and the issue of pet abandonment during vacation seasons led him to focus on how humans treat animals and the ways they relate to them.

In the artworks, the depictions of dogs serve as metaphors for human beings. Through diverse expressions and postures, the works convey emotions found in human relationships—such as loneliness, intimacy, and trust—while posing questions about how people form connections and understand others in modern society.

The exhibition features various formats, including two-dimensional pieces using Hanji (traditional Korean paper), three-dimensional sculptures, and art collectibles. The exhibition is structured to allow visitors to appreciate these diverse works and reflect on the meaning of the relationships and bonds in their own lives.

“Joo's work encourages us to look back at the relationships around us through the familiar presence of pets,” said Jo Su-yeon, a curator at Gallery T. “We hope this exhibition serves as an opportunity to contemplate the meaning of being with the precious beings in our lives.”