Red Dot Gallery Grand Opening October 12, 2006

Youn Woo Chaa
"James Brown, Friends and Flowers"
From the Jungles of Brazil to Los Angeles


Modern portraits through the renewed perspective of the "primitive" weave. By Artist Youn Woo Chaa Exhibition runs until Nov. 19, 2006 The Red Dot Gallery in Downtown Los Angeles presents new works by artist Youn Woo Chaa. The exhibition will feature works of art created using a traditional weaving technique taught to Mr. Chaa by the Tukano Tribe in the rain forests of Brazil. Originally from Korea, Youn Woo Chaa attended Art University in Seoul, Korea.

Currently Mr. Chaa resides in downtown Los Angeles. The LA riots of 1999 had a profound effect on Mr. Chaa & he began questioning his art. "What is Art & what constitutes art? Who is art for? Is Art a construct of the educated, the rich, & the powerful throughout history or is Art an instinctual part of human existence? Is Art & the appreciation of Art a part of our genetic make-up, if you will?" The answers to these questions would be a defining moment in his life, because he decided "if Art does not support an egalitarian approach & relied merely upon those within the power hierarchy, then I felt it would be too silly to continue in the participation." In order to get answers to his questions, he decided to spend time with indigenous people in the Amazon jungles of Brazil. He was directed to the Tukano village. It was a 7-day boat trip up the Rio Negro, & 2 days by bus, then 3 more days of walking through the jungle with my machete to reach the village. The villagers welcomed him & allowed him to stay with them. Lumber barons almost took his life. The Tukano tribe taught him the process of their work, from the harvesting of the plant that produces the reed, the Aruma, to the binding of the wicker with the woebo wood. The Tukanos use weaving for crafts, such as making baskets & chairs, but they also create weaving patterns that they hang on the wall as artform. The patterns are from the shamanic visions of their ancestors passed down through the generations.

Mr. Chaa asked them why they do this & the answer was "Because it is so beautiful." So he got the answer that he needed: Art & the appreciation of Art is within all of us. It is an integral part of being human. This is why he began to integrate weaving into his portraiture. One can grasp & appreciate the modern portrait through the renewed perspective of the primitive weave. Owners Julie Rico & Sid Carter invite you to this inaugural event at the Red Dot Gallery.

Official Website: http://www.weeneez.com