Artist Emmy Star Brown creates vibrant scene representing chicago san jose art collaboration.

Chicago and San Jose Artists Infuse Everyday Scenes with Bold Playfulness at Joy Machine

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Written by Flynn Matthews

2026-08-27

Joy Machine introduces “The Peace of Wild Things,” an exhibition featuring the vibrant works of Emmy Star Brown and Danym Kwon, set against the dynamic backdrop of the ChicagoSan Jose route. Both artists, from diverse backgrounds, explore the depths of memory and emotion through unique artistic expressions.

A Journey Through Vibrant Color and Form

Drawing its title from Wendell Berry’s often-quoted poem, the exhibition invites viewers to rediscover awe through diverse artistic methods. Brown’s abstract approach uses mesmerizing geometries, employing bold colors like magenta and cobalt. Her canvases radiate energy, capturing the fleeting joy of childhood imagination without borders.

Acrylic gouache painting by Danym Kwon in cherry wood foldable frame.
Danym Kwon, “What We Hold Dear” (2026), acrylic gouache on canvas in cherry wood foldable frame, 20.5 x 33.1 inches

The Tenderness of Everyday Life

Kwon’s art breathes life into the mundane, much as the journey from the Windy City to San Jose shifts from routine to remarkable. She delicately situates scenes of family life within softly hued, layered compositions. Her work evokes the serene presence of Korean Moon Jars, offering gentle reflections on how experiences blend into one another over time, much like a travel uniting different landscapes.

This exhibition’s reflection on life and place resonates with Hula’s captivating murals that similarly capture transformative moments in urban landscapes.

Emmy Star Brown artwork featuring whimsical and dynamic shapes.
Emmy Star Brown

Cultural Echoes in Modern Forms

Deeply influenced by her Korean heritage, Kwon’s pieces, like the diptych “What We Hold Dear,” showcase her mastery of negative space and traditional Asian painting techniques. This thoughtful integration creates a dialogue between past and present, connecting viewers with intimate moments imbued with care, resonating with those who have embarked on a journey from Chicago to San Jose.

For another exploration of cultural and artistic fusion, discover artists blending creativity with hemp influence that expand traditional boundaries.

Painting on birch plywood by Danym Kwon shows colorful abstract forms.
Danym Kwon, “Your Little World” (2026), acrylic gouache on birch plywood, 19.125 × 18.5 x 1.125 inches

Both Brown and Kwon find catharsis in paint. Their works prompt meditation on the past while inspiring joyful anticipation for the future. Such creations demand presence, inviting viewers to lose themselves in moments of boundless curiosity, much like exploring new perspectives on a cross-country trip.

The exhibit runs from August 28 to October 17, 2026. You are invited to RSVP to the opening reception on August 28, from 6 to 8 p.m., where Brown will join attendees for an evening celebrating the vivid intersection of past memories and present reflection.

Bold and playful geometric patterns by artist Emmy Star Brown.
Emmy Star Brown
Close-up view of detailed elements in Danym Kwon's artwork.
Detail of Danym Kwon, “What We Hold Dear”

Source: thisiscolossal.com

Frequently asked questions

What is the theme of the Joy Machine exhibition?

The exhibition, titled “The Peace of Wild Things,” explores the depths of memory and emotion through diverse artistic methods, drawing inspiration from Wendell Berry’s poem. It features vibrant works by Emmy Star Brown and Danym Kwon that infuse everyday scenes with bold playfulness.

What artistic styles do Brown and Kwon use?

Emmy Star Brown uses an abstract approach with bold colors like magenta and cobalt, employing mesmerizing geometries to capture childhood imagination. Danym Kwon breathes life into the mundane by situating scenes of family life within softly hued, layered compositions, integrating her Korean heritage and traditional painting techniques.

When is the Joy Machine opening reception?

The opening reception is on August 28, from 6 to 8 p.m., where Emmy Star Brown will join attendees for an evening celebrating the vivid intersection of past memories and present reflection.