Newchild

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.

Newchild was founded by Diego Castaño, Chandler Noah and Sarah Vanwelden in 2020. The gallery serves as a physical and a digital platform for established and emerging artists whose practice is defined by conceptualism, narrative and an ambitious technical approach.

Newchild was created to cultivate cross-pollination and meaningful exchange, fostering a collaborative environment for artists to explore beyond their established modes of expression. It curates a regular programme of offbeat exhibitions, participates in art fairs globally and works in close collaboration with foundations and museums.