Chris Oh's inaugural solo exhibition in Europe, Adore, delves into the intricate interplay between Renaissance art traditions and contemporary practices of appropriation and authorship. Central to this body of work is Oh's profound engagement with the Ghent Altarpiece, also known as the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, a seminal 15th-century polyptych by Hubert and Jan van Eyck. This masterpiece is renowned for its detailed depiction of religious iconography and its pioneering use of oil paint, marking a pivotal moment in art history.

In Adore, Oh recontextualizes elements from the Ghent Altarpiece by meticulously rendering its intricate details onto an array of found objects, such as stained windows, crystals, and shells. This approach not only pays homage to the Renaissance tradition of copying as a form of learning and reverence but also aligns with contemporary discourses on the readymade and authorship. By transforming everyday items into carriers of historical imagery, Oh challenges conventional notions of surface and materiality, inviting viewers to reconsider the boundaries between originality and replication, as well as the enduring relevance of classical art in modern contexts.

Adore will be on view from 9 May to 12 June, 2025

Artists: Chris Oh