“Reality is a process, not a static state of being.” —Alfred North Whitehead

In a world increasingly defined by interconnection and interdependence, the concept of "symbiosis" offers us a profound philosophical lens through which to explore the bonds that connect us to one another, to our environment, and to the myriad forms of life with which we share this planet. Philosophically, symbiosis is not merely a biological phenomenon but a state of being. It reveals the interdependent relationships between distinct entities and how, through collaboration, balance, and transformation, they create something greater than the sum of their parts. As the philosopher Martin Buber emphasized in I and Thou, true existence arises from the "I-Thou" relationship, not the "I-It" opposition.

Symbiosis is the embodiment of this relationship— a dance of mutual coexistence where collaboration fosters growth, resilience, and transformation. This exhibition brings together six visionary artists—Antoine Poupel, Claire Deniau, Kim Won Geun, Liu Xuanqi, Moon Seon Mee and Sung Min Woo. Each of whom explores this theme through their unique artistic practices. Though their mediums and styles vary, these artists share a common thread: a deep fascination with the interconnectedness of life and the relationships that sustain it. Their works invite us to reflect on how we coexist—with one another, with nature, and with the intangible forces that shape our existence. The works of these artists serve as a vivid embodiment of this process.

Antoine Poupel, a French artist with a poetic vision, redefines the boundaries of photography by treating light as a painter would treat color. His monotypes, created through a process of chemical experimentation, are both unique and deeply connected to the essence of photography. Poupel’s work often draws inspiration from Japanese landscapes, where the interplay of light, shadow, and texture creates a sense of harmony and balance. His art embodies the symbiotic relationship between technology and nature, challenging us to see the world through a lens of poetic interconnectedness. This reflection on the relationship between technology and nature echoes Martin Heidegger's inquiry into the essence of technology: technology should not be a tool for dominating nature but rather a way of "revealing" being.

Claire Deniau’s practice is rooted in the intimate interaction between the artist, the artwork, and the viewer. Her paintings, often layered with writing and imagery, emerge from a process of exploration and discovery, where the body becomes part of the artwork itself. In her You + Me series, Deniau invites viewers to complete her paintings by choosing a fresh or dry flower to place in a vase embedded within the canvas. This playful yet profound act of collaboration underscores the symbiotic relationship between art and life, blurring the lines between creator, viewer, and the natural world. This interactive artistic practice aligns with the perspective emphasized by philosopher John Dewey in Art as Experience: art is not an isolated object but a dynamic experience that connects creators with audiences, and individuals with society.

Kim Won Geun, a master of sculptural storytelling, captures the duality of human nature with humor and warmth. His underworld characters, carved from wood or cast in epoxy resin and acrylics, reveal a surprising vulnerability beneath their tough exteriors. Through his sculptures, Kim explores the symbiotic relationship between strength and fragility, reminding us that even in the most unlikely places—be it a boxing ring or a shadowy alley—there is a delicate balance of power and tenderness. His work resonates with the theme of symbiosis by highlighting how opposing forces can coexist and even thrive together. This idea of the unity of opposites aligns seamlessly with Hegel's dialectical concept of "thesis, antithesis, and synthesis," revealing how contradictory forces can achieve harmony at a higher level.

Liu Xuanqi, a Singapore-based Chinese artist, brings a unique perspective to the theme of symbiosis through his abstract ink paintings. Liu’s work bridges the traditional and the contemporary, using fluid brushstrokes and layered textures to explore the relationship between humanity and nature. Artist’s mastery of ink abstraction allows him to capture the intangible connections that bind us to the world around us. This exploration of the relationship between the "formless" and the "tangible" aligns with the Daoist philosophy of "Dao following nature", emphasizing the harmonious symbiosis between humans and nature.

Moon Seon Mee’s paintings are a celebration of the everyday lives of ordinary people, rendered with exaggerated expressions and vibrant narratives. Her works delve into the symbiotic relationships that define human existence—how we rely on one another for emotional sustenance and how our desires intertwine with the world around us. Moon’s ability to capture the essence of human connection, often through the metaphor of flowers, speaks to the fragility and beauty of life’s interconnected web.This focus on everyday life evokes the perspective of phenomenologist Maurice Merleau-Ponty: our existence is always a "being-in-the-world," and our relationships with the world and others constitute the essence of our being.

Sung Min Woo’s art is a poetic exploration of ecological and social relationships. Through her intricate depictions of grasses and plants, Sung reveals the delicate balance of ecosystems, where each organism relies on others for survival. She transforms humble grasses into golden, vein-like networks that mirror human blood vessels, symbolizing the interconnectedness of all life. Sung’s work is a meditation on the symbiotic bonds that sustain us, urging us to recognize our place within the larger tapestry of existence. This ecological philosophy resonates with the views of Arne Naess, the advocate of Deep Ecology: humans are not rulers of nature but rather an integral part of the ecological network.

Together, these artists remind us that symbiosis is not merely a scientific concept but a lived reality—one that demands our attention, care, and creativity. Through their unique talents and perspectives, they reveal the beauty and complexity of connection, urging us to reflect on how we coexist with one another and the world around us.

We invite you to immerse yourself in this exploration of Symbiosis, to discover the intricate web of relationships that sustain us, and to envision new ways of being in harmony with the world.