Joy Machine is thrilled to announce the upcoming solo exhibition titled “Life Forms” by the talented artist Janny Baek. The exhibition will be on display from March 20 to May 9, 2026, inviting viewers to delve into a world of imagination and transformation.
Baek’s work delves into the concept of change, exploring it through the creation of sculptural ceramics that depict speculative beings and fantastical landscapes. The pieces are a manifestation of the artist’s contemplation on how we perceive change – whether with fear, excitement, or uncertainty. Through the use of marbled clay, coiled bases, and innovative molding techniques, Baek’s sculptures embody a dream-like logic that embraces experimentation and play.
The title “Life Forms” encapsulates the essence of the exhibition, symbolizing both the act of creation and the enchanting results it produces. Baek’s sculptures, neither wholly abstract nor representational, draw inspiration from natural structures and processes, challenging viewers to reconsider their interpretation of the world. The artworks feature recognizable forms like blossoms, birds, and creatures, juxtaposed with unexpected elements, giving them a lively and animate quality that is both primal and contemporary.
In her creative process, Baek paints much like she sketches, using it as a tool to develop ideas and visualize their potential. She combines hand building techniques with the Japanese pottery method called nerikomi, which involves intricately designing patterns with strips of colored clay. This meticulous approach reflects Baek’s contemplation of natural processes, with color gradients symbolizing change, a multitude of colors representing vitality, and patterns serving as modes of communication.
Baek’s artworks exist in a speculative realm where beings evolve, mutate, and flourish, each possessing unique features that contribute to an otherworldly lineage. While the sculptures capture a fleeting moment of transformation, they beckon viewers into a world where change is not only inevitable but also enticing.
“Life Forms” marks Baek’s debut in Chicago, and an opening reception will be held on March 20, where the artist will be present. The exhibition promises to captivate audiences with its innovative approach to ceramics and its exploration of the ever-evolving nature of life.
