Monolith_larch, hemp fabric, ottchil_670x1030mm_2026 

Yong-jun Jang, who has relentlessly explored his own “artistic language” through the long-standing practice of Ottchil (traditional lacquerwork), has titled his first solo exhibition <Monolith>.

The title stems from his realization that the human longing for eternity — often embodied in man-made monuments or markers—is merely trivial and ephemeral when viewed from the perspective of the universe and infinity. Consequently, the artist presents works in the form of a “Monolith” that appears strikingly alien to our reality, contrasted against traditional monuments. Rather than choosing stone or other durable materials, he deliberately selected wood — a material that is fragile and easily fades away.

Yong-jun Chang, who finds himself more moved by a nameless wooden cross (Bimok) commemorating the many who have vanished than by a stone monument honoring a single soul, quietly poses questions about eternity and extinction, solidity and fragility, stone and dust, and the very limits of existence.

We cordially invite you to the first exhibition of 2026 at OMAE Gallery.