Solace in Nature

by Jae Hi Ahn

October 3 - 31, 2024

Opening Reception: Friday, October 18th, from 6:30-8:30 PM

Watercolor Workshop: Saturday, October 26th, 1-3pm

Yant Art Space

72-50 Austin St. 2FL, Forest Hills, NY 11375

Solace in Nature is inspired by Queens community's natural surroundings and The Condolence Letter that my 16th century ancestor wrote to his late wife who passed due to complications with postpartum. My ancestor, Minhak Ahn, placed the letter with Joseon Dynasty White Porcelain set inside the coffin. It was discovered by my father around 400 years later. It's currently Korean Cultural Heritage, because it was not only written in early Korean Hangul but also Joseon Dynasty was famous for Sexism against women. Men were the Sky and Women were the Ground.

I am hoping to bring out Community well-being to the Queens community. Racial and ethnic minority groups reported experiencing Covid-related discrimination in the Queens community where many Asian populations are located in. I would like to dedicate Solace in Nature to the people around the community who have been suffering through the loss of loved ones, Anti-Asian racism, and gender inequalities of minority women.

Solace in Nature will include Watercolor with Paper Cutout, Photography, & Ceramic Sculpture on the wall inspired by plants from Queens community and Korean Cultural Heritages. Korean Cultural Heritages and objects represent millions of people's stories during the Covid-19 Pandemic. I am hoping to ease the pain of the loss with the healing energy of Queens community's natural surroundings. For this project, the images of Korean Cultural Heritages will store Griefs, Memories, and Hopes.

Watercolor Workshop: Saturday, October 26th, 1-3pm

In this class I will introduce the basic painting techniques of Botanical and Korean Cultural Heritages using watercolor. Participants will explore the color and tonal compositions with the details, working directly from the flowers growing at Queens surroundings and Korean Cultural Heritages. This workshop would be great for anyone looking to experiment and build skills in watercolor.  

This exhibition is made possible in part with public funds from the Queens Arts Fund, a re-grant program supported by New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and administered by New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA).