Momin Choi, To Wash Away, 2025, Oil on canvas, 56.5 x 46 cm
Slow is pleased to present Don't Talk to Me Until I've Showered, a compelling solo exhibition by Seoul-based painter Momin Choi, opening on May 21, 2026, with an inaugural reception from 5 PM to 8 PM.
Marking the artist's second major collaboration with the gallery, this curated showcase features a selection of new works that examine the heavy, psychological frictions of urban life.
Through his distinctive practice, Choi captures the subtle, muted colors of everyday helplessness, giving form to the silent anxieties and emotional density embedded within modern routines.
Artistic Practice and Philosophy
Born in 1985, Choi constructs layered interior landscapes where intimate personal recollections intersect with broader cultural iconography.
His work bridges the gap between historical painting traditions and raw scenes of ordinary life, synthesizing visual references from philosophy, anthropology, the humanities, and deep psychological inquiry to cultivate a deeply individual painterly vocabulary.
Through a meticulous treatment of the canvas, he reveals the hidden emotional dimensions of modern life, speaking to the silent truths that lie beneath our curated societal presentations.
Education and Career Highlights
Choi possesses a rigorous academic background, having earned his Master of Arts in Painting from the Royal College of Art in 2024, following both a Master and Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from the Korea National University of Arts in 2018 and 2016.
He has established a significant presence in the contemporary art scene through critically acclaimed solo exhibitions in Seoul, including Two Hands and A Submerged House at Drawing Room, A Bizarre Life at out_sight, and Plant Theatre at ONE AND J. GALLERY.
On an international scale, his paintings have gained visibility across major global art capitals through group presentations, such as Lost and Found with The Hartz Project in Hong Kong, Thoughts in The Silent Night at Hew Hood Gallery in London, Self at Plain Gallery in Milan, and Memory beneath the ego, Fantasy above the ego at Seoul National University.
Recognized for his distinct contributions to contemporary painting, Choi received the Young Artist Support Program grant from the Seoul Museum of Art and has completed artist residencies at White Block Art Center and Kumho Art Studio.
Momin Choi, Polishing cups, 2025, Oil on linen, 30 x 25 cm
His practice continues to expand through an enduring commitment to exploring memory, dislocation, and human perception.
Established in Hong Kong, The Hartz Project is a contemporary art gallery committed to championing emerging artists from Asia and around the globe while actively empowering their professional growth.
Simultaneously, the gallery strives to be a trusted, intimate companion to collectors, guiding them to cultivate meaningful art collections that deeply enrich both life and soul.
Guided by the belief that art should evoke joy, inspiration, and a profound sense of well-being, The Hartz Project also delves into the spiritual realm, recognizing art as a transformative medium capable of elevating human consciousness.
Exhibition Information
Opening Reception: 21 May 2026 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Venue: Slow
Address: B-#102, 12-12, Dalmaji-gil 65 beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan, 48117, Republic of Korea
