SPACE 2 : GABBY CHU

Exhibition dates. 8 - 19 March 2023
Opening Reception : Thursday 9 March 2023, 6:00 - 8.30pm.

Born in South Korea, Gabby Chu spent her adolescence living in South East Asia, dividing her time between Cambodia and Vietnam, before her studies took her to Australia. Spending her time exposed to a variety of cultures and traditions from an early age helped to shape a world view that was open to a broad spectrum of human experience and struggle. Upon completing her studies in Australia, Gabby returned to Korea where she explored her creative impulses more fully. Working as a tattoo artist Gabby also pursued a variety of other mediums; acrylic paint, ink, textile and ceramic. During this time she had the privilege to study under Jang Dong Lee, whom she credits with expanding her understanding of the fundamental differences in Eastern and Western art. It would be a pilgrimage to Tongdosa that Gabby found her most profound artistic expression. Under the tutelage of the Buddhist monk Seongpa she was initiated in the tradition of Ottchil.

Gabby’s creative expression draws from a foundation of Asian traditional practices including Minhwa, Ukiyo-e and Ottchil; in combination with western Surrealism and Minimalism. It is a weave of these influences that informs a style which she describes as Abstract Formative.

EXHIBITION