“It makes me uncomfortable to talk about meanings and things. It’s better not to know so much about what things mean.
I don’t think that people accept the fact that life doesn’t make sense. I think it makes people terribly uncomfortable. Absurdity is what I like most in life. I learned that just beneath the surface there’s another world, and still different worlds as you dig deeper.
I discovered that if one looks a little closer at this beautiful world, there are always red ants underneath.”
—David Lynch
Jonathan Smart Gallery is delighted to present In Spite of Meaning, a group exhibition curated by Eugene Huston. The works selected showcase a diverse range of media, including video, 3D animation, photography, sculpture and painting. Featured artists include guests Hye Rim Lee and Jae Hoon Lee, alongside Rob Hood, Sanjay Theodore, Marie Le Lievre, Richard Reddaway, Steve Carr and Mark Braunias.
The ‘Selected works’ (below the curator’s statement) includes images of video stills, photography, digital prints, sculptural works and painting. Titles and details of all the exhibited works can be found in the ‘Details of works’ section at the bottom of the web page.
“The notion of the ‘impossible meaningless of nature’ invites a profound contemplation of the natural world and our attempts to ascribe meaning to it. At first glance, nature appears to be a tapestry of intricate ecosystems, vibrant life forms, and breathtaking landscapes, each teeming with complexity and beauty. Yet, beneath this surface lies an inherent indifference; nature operates according to its own laws, unencumbered by human notions of purpose or significance. The cyclical patterns of life and death, growth and decay, unfold with an almost engineered precision, suggesting a realm where meaning is not a guiding principle, but rather a human construct imposed on the chaotic reality of existence.
This paradox presents a unique philosophical dilemma. While humans strive to find meaning in natural phenomena—be it through spirituality, science, or art—nature itself remains devoid of intention. The serene beauty of a sunset or the violent ferocity of a lightning storm at sea occurs without regard for human interpretation. This realization can evoke a sense of existential angst, as individuals grapple with the understanding that their search for meaning may be inherently futile. Yet, this very futility can also be liberating. It allows for a perspective that embraces the wonder of existence without the weight of imposed significance. In recognizing the “impossible meaningless” of nature, we may find ourselves more attuned to the raw beauty of the world around us, appreciating it for what it is rather than what we wish it to signify.
At its core, “the impossible meaninglessness of nature” encapsulates a profound and often uncomfortable exploration of existence. It challenges us to confront the tension between our desire for meaning and the reality of nature’s indifference, ultimately inviting a deeper reflection on our place within the universe.”
— Eugene Huston
