FRANCESCO PATANÈ: THE ROMAN ARTIST SOARS IN SEOUL'S ART SCENE

Seoul, South Korea - The vibrant and eclectic art scene of Seoul has recently witnessed the convergence of artistic brilliance from around the world at the Horton Gallery. The gallery, nestled in Yongsan-gu, has become the backdrop for the groundbreaking exhibition, "Existence: A New Space of Thought," which unfolded its diverse array of artworks from January 19 to February 29, 2024.

Among the prominent artists featured in this intercontinental collective showcase is the Roman painter Francesco Patanè, making his debut in Seoul. Patanè stands shoulder to shoulder with iconic figures such as Robert Indiana, a representative of American pop art, and Lee Ufan, a master in the Korean art world. The exhibition showcases also the artwork of 2 other renowned artists, Seunghyun Kim and Hanuk Jung, further enriching the diverse tapestry of artistic expressions on display.

Francesco Patanè's inclusion in this prestigious exhibition is a testament to the global recognition of his unique artistic voice. His works, marked by a distinctive "materic" quality, demonstrate an exploration of imperfection as a form of beauty. The use of asphalt on canvas and jute, enriched with vibrant acrylic colors, serves as the signature style of Patanè's creations.

The exhibition features four of Patanè's artworks, each encapsulating the essence of his thematic exploration. Starting with the smaller-sized piece titled "Ómorfos ántras La bellezza e la libertà di 'essere'" – asphalt on canvas, measuring 37x38 – Patanè's collection progresses to larger formats. "Assenza," an artwork featuring asphalt on jute with dimensions of 50x70, precedes "He...The perfect woman!" – a captivating composition of asphalt and acrylic on jute, measuring 60x65. The collection culminates in the monumental "Vestimi" My Miriam, an artwork that spans 150x150 and combines asphalt and acrylic on jute.

"Existence: A New Space for Thought" is more than just an art exhibition; it is an innovative exploration of evolving social roles and the values of art. The showcase serves as a reminder that art can transcend its role as a medium for creative expression, acting as a catalyst for dialogue and social contemplation. Through a diverse collection of artworks that reflect various aspects of modern society, personal experiences, and social issues, the exhibition invites viewers to rethink their existence and the world around them from fresh perspectives.

Francesco Patanè, born in Rome in 1986, carved his own artistic path after initially pursuing studies in landscape architecture at the Faculty of Architecture L. Quaroni de La Sapienza. His unique style, characterized by a quest for perfection within imperfection, a contrast of roughly sketched bodies emerging from jute, and the material strength of asphalt, distinguishes him in the contemporary art scene. Drawing inspiration from neoespressionism, particularly Jean Michel Basquiat, Patanè believes that art should not only reproduce and evoke emotions in the observer but, more importantly, convey those emotions from the artist to the audience.

Patanè's impressive resume is adorned with exhibitions and awards, including notable venues such as Scuderie Estensi Tivoli, Ferrara Buskers Festival, Unahotel Expo Fiera Milano, Carrousel du Louvre in Paris, and WhiteSpaceChelsea in New York City. His work has been featured in various publications in Italy, England, Russia, the USA, and France.

"Existence: A New Space for Thought" is a significant exploration of the positive impact art can have on individuals and society. It serves as a platform to initiate new conversations at the intersection of art and society, inviting viewers on a journey to rediscover their true selves and reevaluate the genuine meaning of the art they seek.

For those eager to experience this transformative exhibition, "Existence: A New Space for Thought" will be on display at Horton Gallery, 1st Floor, 32 Hoenamun-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea, from January 19 to February 29, 2024.

For more information, visit www.galleryhorton.com and follow them on Instagram at www.instagram.com/gallery_horton.