By Victoria Donohoe
For The Philadelphia Inquirer
Here on Earth
Ever wonder what present-day Korean art in the Buddhist tradition looks like? The Korean-born ceramic sculptor Veronica Juyoun Byun, in her show "A Modular Vision" at the gallery at St. Joseph's University, has explored this and come up with some answers.
Aware that Buddhist traditions have lots of symbols to suggest finding paradise on Earth, Byun set out to discover new imagery in the same vein. She then engagingly expressed it as sculptural wall panels in her medium, clay. Especially captivating among those on display here are panels of geometric shapes that capture a rainbow or primary-color scheme symbolizing protection, especially from sources of evil. The repeating curvy shapes she creates are especially impressive in Shimmering Sea at Sunset, where they represent symbolic membranes or skins seemingly tossed from their moorings by sea breezes.
Byun sees this flux of expansive space as a Buddhist metaphor for the human condition. Misty Dawn and Serenity After Summer likewise ably suggest time of day and seasonal changes. These three and several other multiunit pieces are especially serious, accomplished work suitable for a permanent wall installation.
St Joseph's University Gallery in Merion Hall, 376 N. Latches Lane, Merion.
Thru Feb. 17. Mon-Fri 9-7, Sat 10-1. 610-660-1845.
Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/20120127_Galileo_served_as_this_painter_s_muse.html#ixzz1kj9m8CUk