When Fusebox closed its doors last winter, we lost a truly significant art gallery in this city. Lucky for us contemporary art lovers, a local hub of talent, Irvine Contemporary, took over the 14th Street space in Fusebox’s absence. After a few months of tweaking the lights, adding some comfy furniture, and installing the new signage, Irvine officially opened its doors on May 12 with a bangin’ reception and fascinating new exhibit – Ju-Yeon Kim’s Summertime.

If the folks at Irvine were hoping to break in their new chairs and cushioned benches, Kim’s work will certainly get people to stay awhile. The South Korea born artist uses a wide array of media – from oil sticks and acrylics to pieces of hand-cut paper – on canvases both giant (90” x 90”) and tiny (6” x 6”). A glance won’t do it: take a seat. Each piece contains layer upon layer of dynamic strokes, delicate flowers, and tight geometric patterns. Kim takes the viewer on a ride with her work, which tends to flow in a circular pattern around the canvas, yet each section is carefully aligned as if on a Cartesian graph. The chaos you find on your first impression is not impenetrable; you’ll find something new every time you take a closer look.