HYBE Insight, HYBE Corporation’s exhibition brand, launched the BTS X James Jean: Seven Phases Exhibition earlier this year. Now, after months of anticipation from Filipino ARMYs, it has finally arrived in the Philippines. It opened on October 27 at Building A of SM Megamall and will run until December 3. The exhibit offers fans an exclusive opportunity to delve into the K-pop supergroup’s world through the artistic lens of James Jean.

Who is James Jean?

James Jean is a Taiwanese-American visual artist. His pieces often weave together otherworldly elements, creating dreamlike compositions rich in symbolism. Employing a variety of media, Jean’s artistry spans digital art, painting, and traditional drawing techniques. He blends contemporary subjects with techniques from Eastern and Western classical art forms. His art has graced numerous publications and exhibitions worldwide, and he has published several books showcasing his illustrations and sketches. 

Jean’s commercial success includes illustrations for comic books and various series covers, earning him multiple Eisner and Harvey Awards. His notable work for DC Comics’ Fables series has received widespread acclaim. Beyond commercial illustrations, Jean has carved out a significant presence in the fine arts and the fashion industry. His collaborations with brands like Prada have produced intricate and whimsical designs featured in advertising campaigns and on runways.

The BTS exhibit is one of Jean’s larger-scale multimedia projects, featuring 31 installations that capture the essence of each member, offering visitors a unique connection with their favorite idols. “It’s called ‘Seven Phases,’ as in the Seven Phases of the moon. I researched every member and discovered they each had unique personalities and characteristics. I tried to bring it out in paintings and create stories based on their nicknames and unique traits,” James Jean said in a video featured at the exhibit.

@jcmercahny

You have to see it for yourself! Come to the Hybe Insight Seven Phases by James Jean exhibit. Thank you @officialniceentph for bringing this exhibit to the Philippines! Proof exhibit next? #BTS #SEVENPHASES #JAMESJEAN #BANGTAN #BANGTANSONYEONDAN #RM #JIN #YOONGI #JHOPE #JIMIN #V #JUNGKOOK #NAMJOON #SEOKJIN #MINYOONGI #SUGA #HOBI #TAEHYUNG #JK #ARMY #VIRAL #FYP #ARMYFORLIFE #NAMJOONING @bts_official_bighit

♬ Standing Next to You – Jung Kook

BTS transformed

In the exhibit, each BTS member is transformed into a visual metaphor that resonates with their personalities and public personas. “I discovered RM was a night owl, so I created a winged creature based on his night owl ideas. Jimin is known as the most ethereal, so I turned him into mushrooms called champignon. For j-hope, the sunshine of the group, I turned him into the sun god,” James Jean explained, detailing the thought process behind his artistic interpretations.

He elaborated on the other members, saying, “Jin is known as ‘Worldwide Handsome,’ and he refers to himself that way, but there is this old story of Narcissus turning into flowers. For V, I have him being surrounded by gemstones called Violane. For SUGA, known as ‘little meow meow,’ so I thought of putting him in happy beach scenes. Jungkook is known as ‘rabbit,’ so I have him surrounded by rabbits.” Each piece in the exhibit is a reflection of the members’ individual stories and the imagery they evoke, crafted with Jean’s signature blend of fantasy and reality.

The exhibit also portrays RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook as totems bursting with color. In a piece called “The Garden,” James Jean reimagines them as flower spirits. For that one, he drew inspiration from a line in the BTS song “The Truth Untold” that goes, “Bloomed in the garden of loneliness, a flower that resembles you.”

@jcmercahny

Answering questions about The Seven Phases Exhibit by James Jean #BTS #SEVENPHASES #JAMESJEAN #BANGTAN #BANGTANSONYEONDAN #RM #JIN #YOONGI #JHOPE #JIMIN #V #JUNGKOOK #NAMJOON #SEOKJIN #MINYOONGI #SUGA #HOBI #TAEHYUNG #JK #ARMY #VIRAL #FYP #ARMYFORLIFE #NAMJOONING @BTS

♬ Seven (feat. Latto) – Clean Ver. – Jung Kook & Latto

A chance to connect

Visitors can also view sketches and drafts of the pieces, providing insight into the artist’s creative process. For some ARMYs, the exhibit is a chance to connect with the South Koreans beyond their social media posts, records, performances, discography, and chart data. The exhibit also offers an exclusive look at BTS‘s assets, such as their awards and concert apparel.

“A lot of ARMYs have been waiting for this. We are so glad after so many years BTS is again here in the Philippines in some form,” said Kris Jacomina, a representative from Nice Entertainment. Nice Entertainment is the promoter responsible for bringing the exhibit to the Philippines.

The BTS x James Jean Exhibit promises to be a memorable event, merging the realms of art and music in a celebration of creativity and more. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This is just one part of the exhibit ARMYs can see. Source: X/@kimseokjinbub.