SEVENTEEN‘s Xu Minghao, who also goes by his stage name The8, is set to make waves in the art world. As part of the 10th anniversary celebration of the Start Art Fair, held during the Frieze period in October, The8 will showcase 11 of his artworks, marking a significant step in his journey as a visual artist.

The8 and his paintings

The8‘s paintings are expected to draw considerable attention. Among the showcased pieces is Rock Heart, which fans might recognize from the MV of his solo track “Hai Cheng.” This painting, filled with strong emotions, offers a glimpse into The8‘s profound connection to his art. Another piece, Dreams Come True, features calm blue and white tones, evoking the serenity of a moonlit sea.

The8‘s use of floral motifs in The Colorful Aura is particularly striking. He explained, “They just express my complex emotions. The emotions within me that I only understand.” The vibrant colors emit an ethereal feeling reminiscent of a photograph by Torkil Gudnason titled Electric Blossom. Another standout is Dragon Amidst the Storm, an abstract piece depicting a dragon caught in a storm, reminiscent of Jackson Pollock’s style.

The inclusion of The8‘s artwork at this prestigious international art fair is a dream come true for him. He had previously expressed a desire to see his creations displayed in a museum or gallery. This dream highlights his deep passion for art and his belief in the profound significance of his work. He felt that social media platforms wouldn’t capture their essence correctly.

While The8 is renowned for his dynamic stage performances with SEVENTEEN, his art reveals a tranquil and contemplative side. His works provide fans with a connection beyond music, offering an intimate look into his emotions and the multifaceted nature of his creativity.

A wide range of international art

The Start Art Fair, presented at the Saatchi Gallery in London, will also feature works by other young Korean artists. Start Art Korea organized a contest to mark the event’s 10th anniversary. Artists Hwang Seunghyeon, Kim Heeju, and Kim Minjeong emerged as winners from a field of 100 contestants. Film director Byeong-gil Jeong will also showcase his artwork. His pieces promise to intrigue art enthusiasts worldwide.

An official from the Start Art Fair said it’s an honor to be a domestic representative, especially when Korean culture is gaining global attention. They emphasized their commitment to discovering potential domestic artists and elevating the status of the Korean art world.

The fair kicked off with a VVIP preview on Wednesday, October 11, followed by a VIP Private View. General admission will span from Thursday, October 12, to Sunday, October 15, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in a wide range of international art.

The8‘s participation in this prestigious event marks a significant milestone in his journey as a visual artist, allowing fans and art lovers to appreciate his talents on a global platform. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The8’s concept photo for SEVENTEEN’s upcoming album is as colorful as his paintings. Source: X/@pledis_17.