Verger Gallery hosts DIMO Artspace’s fourth international group exhibition in Seoul
Some of the participating artists in the DIMO Artspace exhibition pose for a photo in Seoul, May 7. Courtesy of Bereket Alemayehu
The fourth edition DIMO Artspace exhibition, titled “Metamorphosis; we are here,” features 29 Korean and global artists. This time it's at Verger Gallery in western Seoul's Yeonnam-dong from May 11 to 31.
"Metamorphosis" marks the group’s fourth exhibition and carries the message: “We are here.”
For many Korea-based foreign artists, this exhibition is more than a showcase of art; it’s an expression of identity, presence and visibility. It highlights artists who may not be widely known but have consistently pursued their work with passion and sincerity. Through this group exhibition, they raise their voices and share their experiences, reflected deeply in their creations.
Song Da-eun, founder and CEO of the gallery, told The Korea Times that while most galleries in Korea tend to focus on local artists, she is taking a different path by exhibiting works from countries such as Australia, Finland, Denmark, France, Hong Kong, Canada, Saudi Arabia and Ukraine to broaden perspectives and connect people across cultures.
“Many years ago, I traveled abroad and visited countless galleries," she said. "That’s when I started dreaming that one day, I would open my gallery. I deeply respect artists and understand how hard they work. I wanted to create a space that honors that.”
Song Da-eun, founder and CEO of Verger Gallery, introduces art for the DIMO Artspace exhibition at her gallery, May 7. Courtesy of Bereket Alemayehu
In addition to curating exhibitions, she is also an art collector herself. Every piece displayed in the gallery was purchased by her directly before being exhibited and resold. “I love art, so I buy it, exhibit it and then resell it. It’s a new concept that involves no renting the art or returning it, but fully committing to it.”
Her vision for the gallery is a place grounded in the powerful motto, “seeing is believing," where overseas artists would have space.
“There’s no explanation when people first walk in, they just experience the art," she said. "Only after they’ve had a chance to look around do I begin to explain the meaning behind each painting.”
This approach invites engagement with visitors and art collectors, allowing them to trust their instincts and emotional responses before learning the story behind each piece.
More shows are already lined up for after DIMO’s group exhibit, she said. The gallery will feature a solo Vietnamese artist's show, followed by exhibitions representing Tunisia, France and a pan-Arab group.
DIMO is a quiet yet powerful group that stands not for profit or fame, but for freedom, honesty and a sense of belonging. Visitors are invited to smile, relax and enjoy, a healing space filled with authentic energy and artistic spirit.
On her side, DIMO Artspace founder Soukaina El Hayany, a Moroccan artist who moved to Korea in 2019, said DIMO’s fourth show features many artists based in Korea and overseas, including Dubai, Morocco, India and Indonesia, emphasizing that a global perspective is key to the platform. She recently joined the Salam Seoul Ambassador program, which promotes exchanges between Asian and Middle Eastern cultures.
“As we continue to grow, its impact is becoming more recognized," she said. "Since the last one, collectors have started noticing us. We’ve begun to sell artworks, and we’re getting inquiries from new artists and collectors worldwide.
One of the participating artists is Nuradi Noeri, a retired diplomat from Indonesia who has gracefully transitioned from international relations to the world of fine art. With a background in diplomacy and part of a multicultural family, he brings a global perspective to his creative journey. His artistic style revolves around realism, capturing the intricate beauty of the natural world and everyday life through detailed brushwork. He says that though he has experimented with modern and abstract styles, he remains deeply committed to realism.
“I choose realism because it reflects what truly exists in the world. It allows people to enjoy the art as if they are looking at the real thing. When people return home from work and see my painting, I hope they feel peace, like they’ve stepped into nature. I want my art to be like a window,” he said.
His paintings often depict jungles, animals and natural landscapes that offer a visual escape and sense of calm for those living busy urban lives.
As a foreign artist living in Korea, he faces certain challenges. The language barrier can make it difficult to fully explain the deeper meanings of his work to Korean collectors. Despite the many challenges he faces, he actively participates in exhibitions to promote his work and build cultural understanding.
This exhibition is his fourth with the group. “Even if we don’t speak the same language, art allows us to communicate," he said. "Through my painting, someone can feel something universal — beauty, peace and meaning.”
London-born photographic artist Amina Onitilo shows off her work in Seoul, May 7. Courtesy of Bereket Alemayehu
Amina Onitilo is a London-born photographic artist and creative producer pursuing a master’s degree in art management at Chung-Ang University. After earning her BA in photography in London, she transitioned into the field of art management, where she continues to explore the intersection of visual art and curatorial practice. She remains deeply engaged with both the creative and organizational aspects of the art world. This exhibition is her first show with the group.
Her recent body of work, "City Constellations," is an ongoing photographic series that plays with light, shadow and exposure. Her images are deliberately underexposed, transforming urban nighttime scenes into visual metaphors for stars and celestial patterns.
"It's exploring how in the city, there's a lot of artificial light, so we can't see the stars. I've deliberately shot it underexposed so that the city almost resembles a constellation, hence the title," she said.
“My work isn’t about documenting reality, but interpreting it — abstractly and emotionally. I would describe myself as a photographic artist rather than a traditional photographer. I usually don't do very realistic photos like documentary images as part of my art practice."
Since she moved to Seoul two years ago, she has immersed herself in the city’s dynamic and evolving art scene. She has participated in multiple exhibitions and is now making her debut with the DIMO art collective.
“I discovered DIMO through Instagram and fellow artists," she said. "It’s been a great way to meet other creatives and be part of a supportive international community here in Seoul.”
The opening is on Sunday, May 11, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., and the closing party is scheduled for May 31 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. In addition, the gallery will host a free fine art painting class by Adi Noeri on May 14 and an open art class on May 18 featuring Bethany Starr Stultz, an artist, historian and educator.
Visit vergerartgallery.com or follow @D.I.M.O.artspace on Instagram
for more information.
Bereket Alemayehu is an Ethiopian photo artist, social activist and writer based in Seoul. He's also the co-founder of Hanokers, a refugee-led social initiative and freelance contributor for Pressenza Press Agency.