Lehmann Maupin is pleased to present Nemo, curated by Tae Um. The exhibition presents work by prominent abstract artists McArthur Binion, Chung Sang Hwa, Stanley Whitney, and Yun Hyong-keun. Spanning cultures and geographies, these artists have each explored abstraction in depth since the 1970s, responding to turbulent times in their respective countries through their own distinctive approaches; Binion and Whitney developed their work in the United States and Yun and Chung in Korea. Though stemming from different cultural and historical contexts, these artists share a profound engagement with form, identity, and collective memory. Nemo demonstrates that abstraction is not merely a matter of form, but a trace of existence and a testimony of the times, thus serving as a conduit for emotion and memory.

The exhibition title Nemo originates from the Korean word nemo (NEH-moh), meaning “square,” and simultaneously references the Latin word nemo, meaning “no one” or “nobody.” In this context, “nemo” functions not only as a geometric shape, but also as a symbol that transcends the boundaries of identity and narrative. Squares appear repeatedly across the exhibition—at times forming grids and at others standing alone—each shape carrying its own story. This simple geometric figure, defined by connecting four points, becomes more than a flat symbol; for these artists, the square is a tool to visualize the universality of abstraction. Nemo aims to provide a space where private narratives evolve into shared, collective memories—where what belongs to no one may resonate with everyone.