Telfair Museums presents an exciting new solo exhibition titled "ookee" as part of their #art912 series at the Jepson Center, located at 207 W. York Street in Savannah, on display until September 2023. Artist Duff Woon Yong is also inviting visitors to participate in naming artworks in the exhibition. 

Savannah-based artist and Savannah College of Art and Design Motion Media professor Duff Woon Yong (b.1976) has been selected as the newest featured artist for Telfair Museums’ ongoing #art912 exhibition series at the Jepson Center. This initiative, centered around highlighting and collaborating with local artists, was introduced in 2016, with Yong being the newly featured artist.

Inspired by automatic drawing, especially the works and methods of 19th-and-20th century Surrealist artists, and Chinese ink painting, Yong works primarily on surfaces such as wood panels, recycled paper, and found objects. His work is called “ookee” which translates to “dark strange” in Chinese Mandarin. The term also refers to the amebic-like creatures in his art that spread, wrap around, or overtake their support. Although contained within the composition, ookee pulsate with intensity, as if beyond the artist's control. This solo exhibition will feature immersive murals designed specifically for the #art912 gallery and an original soundtrack by musician Tori Kurtz in collaboration with Yong.

“Duff’s art is imbued with tremendous joy and freedom. This is palpable in the exhibition, and it encourages visitors of all ages and backgrounds to engage with the work more freely,” said Anne-Solène Bayan, curator of the exhibition. 

As guests immerse themselves in the gallery, they are invited to name any artwork in Yong’s exhibition by writing a word or description on a sticker and placing it next to the work. For a chance to win a piece of art by the Telfair #art912 artist, visitors must take a photograph of their sticker(s), post it to Instagram, and tag @jepsoncenter, @ookeeman, and @smolcurator. Yong will pick his favorite title at the end of every month and give the winner one of his creations.

"Let's get lost, ride the flow, feel the waves, don't forget to breathe…ooookeeee!" said artist Duff Woon Yong.

In addition to the exhibition, there will be a special artist-led event for Telfair Contemporaries members on Thursday, June 29 at 6 p.m. at the Jepson Center. During the event, attendees will join Duff Woon Yong for an exhibition tour, with a special prize awarded at the end of the evening. To learn more about TC or join the group, please consult: https://www.telfair.org/member-affinity-groups/telfair-contemporaries.

Throughout the summer of 2023, Yong will make art in the exhibition space, affording visitors opportunities to meet and witness his process.