Artist Dabin Ahn, based in Chicago, delves into the profound relationship between objects and the imprint of life. He skillfully creates delicate vessels, fragmented pottery, and burning taper candles with melted wax, all encased within meticulously crafted wooden frameworks. These sculptural paintings radiate with a reflective light, prompting contemplation on the inexorable flow of time and the remnants that persist through the years.
Ahn's current focus is deeply entwined with the recent loss of his father. As he neared the completion of his solo exhibition, "Golden Days," at François Ghebaly, he received the somber news requiring his return to Seoul. Although his father had been unwell for some time, much of the collection, steeped in themes of sorrow and impending absence, now serves as an even more direct homage to his father's memory.
In processing this personal tragedy, Ahn reflected, "During the preparation for this exhibition, my thoughts often drifted not to a life without my father, but back to the 1990s, a period when our family found its greatest joy." His artworks, primarily rendered in deep blues and grays, evoke a profound, meditative sadness—a sentiment derived from navigating the enduring journey of grief. Within these somber palettes, elements like candles, fireflies, and shimmering vessels emerge as beacons of light. Pieces such as "Flora and Fauna II" and "Repose" feature subtly fading vases, serving as a clear metaphorical representation of his departed father. The coarse texture of the linen, achieved by the artist using sandpaper, intentionally allows its natural weave to emerge, creating a worn and tactile surface. While Ahn typically adheres to a precise creative process, this body of work grants greater autonomy to natural elements, with the rich textures of burled wood and jagged turquoise asserting their presence. "Golden Days" also emphasizes the historical narratives embedded within the materials and the aged patinas of various objects, a choice mirroring Ahn’s own actions. He shares, "I continue to sense my father's presence. I've brought back his old watches and glasses, which I now wear, having replaced the lenses. In a way, I continue to live with him."
Ahn's powerful exhibition, "Golden Days," is on display in Los Angeles until February 14, offering a profound exploration of loss, memory, and the enduring connections that shape our lives. His work reminds us that even in sadness, there is beauty in remembrance and hope in carrying forward the legacy of those we cherish.