We are pleased to announce the solo exhibition Under my skin by Kyoto-based artist Mio Yamato, opening on 14 February and on view through 21 March 2025 at Gallery THEO in Seoul. This exhibition marks Yamato’s first solo show in South Korea and with the gallery.
ARTIST STATEMENT & POEM
"Under my Skin" attempts to depict the common essence of life that flows through all of us, using blood as a motif in a complicated and interconnected world.
Blood, which sustains our lives, constantly circulates through our bodies, delivering nutrients and oxygen to every tissue. Around 200 billion red blood cells are replaced daily, tirelessly performing this vital function.
To create "Under my Skin," I observe a single drop of blood under a microscope. Fresh blood is filled with plump, round cells moving fluidly, creating a breathtaking scene. This vision evokes a profound connection to the natural world, a feeling of unity with the flow of rivers, sunlight filtering through trees, the Earth's surface, and distant galaxies shining with stars—all interconnected as one.
I am deeply moved by a majestic view imagined from a single drop of blood. Inspired by this wonder, I capture the transformations of blood cells in many photographs at various magnifications and across time. These images are then collaged, and each cell is carefully painted with red pigment.
Your blood and mine carry the history of life itself. This history contains memories of conflict, but at the same time, blood is the very thread that binds us together. Blood constantly renews itself, undergoing cycles of metabolism and rebirth.
I invite you to imagine the world connected by blood and reflect on a future that evolves continuously, much like metabolism.
For this exhibition, the gallery space at THEO will be transformed into an infinite universe, featuring "Under my Skin."
“Under My Skin”
My life is connected
To flowers, plants, and rivers,
To nature,
To the Earth,
To the universe,
To the million years of life,
And,
To you
It is all connected.
INFORMATION
Mio Yamato's Solo Exhibition
Under my skin
Date: 14 February - 21 March 2025
Venue: Gallery THEO
Address: B1F, 55-3 Bongeunsa, Gongnam-gu, Seoul
Vernissage: Friday 14 February
Web: https://gallerytheo.com/
