As part of the 10th-anniversary celebration of VILLAZAN, we proudly present a curated selection at ART OnO Fair 2025, staying true to the essence of our original program. Since its foundation in 2015, VILLAZAN has been a key promoter of Cuteism in New York, championing artists whose work redefines the relationship between playfulness and depth, innocence and critique. This presentation brings together four leading contemporary voices: Edgar Plans, Suntur, Yang Hyun Jun, and Mane, whose artistic practices embody the core of this movement.

Edgar Plans (Madrid, 1977) has become one of the most recognized figures in contemporary Spanish art. With a background in Art History from the University of Oviedo, he has exhibited worldwide, including major institutions such as the MoMA in Moscow and the S2A Museum in Seoul. Plans' work merges raw spontaneity with vibrant, cartoon-like aesthetics, echoing street art influences while tackling serious themes such as social injustice, environmental concerns, and resilience.

In this latest series, his signature characters take center stage, embodying an innocent yet determined spirit. These figures explore themes of hope, justice, and resilience, creating a narrative that is both playful and deeply engaging. Plans' distinctive use of bold colors and dynamic compositions serves as a reminder of the power of imagination and the potential of creative resistance in the face of adversity.

Suntur (b. 1989) is a Thai artist whose minimalist yet emotionally resonant works have gained international acclaim. Known for his evocative minimalism, his pieces are often defined by the simplicity of form and the economy of color, creating unexpected emotional depth. His work frequently features solitary human figures set against vast, silent landscapes, evoking feelings of introspection, nostalgia, and the suspension of time.

The works presented at ART OnO continue to explore these themes, showcasing moments of fleeting joy, quiet stillness, and emotional connection, underscoring the philosophical underpinnings of Suntur’s art: that simplicity can communicate the deepest of feelings.

Yang Hyun Jun (b. 1980) is one of South Korea's most distinctive contemporary painters. With a PhD in Fine Arts from Silla University, his art delves into themes of nostalgia, sacrifice, and identity, often explored through the recurring figure of a young girl. His works are deeply personal, drawing from childhood memories and cultural symbolism to explore the psychological complexities of his subjects.

In the works presented this year, Yang presents his exploration of existential themes through striking visual contrasts, creating works that resonate emotionally and conceptually. His approach to color and composition invites the viewer to reflect on the tension between innocence and adult realities.

Mane (b. 1978) is a South Korean artist who blends nostalgic imagery with conceptual narratives. His works transport the viewer into whimsical, dreamlike worlds where childhood and imagination intertwine. Known for his vivid, playful depictions of childhood innocence and the tension between fantasy and reality, Mane’s art explores the transition from childhood to adulthood, offering a poetic reflection on the passage of time. Through his distinct visual language, which draws from both fairytale-like imagery and the human experience, Mane invites viewers to revisit the joy, wonder, and introspection of their own childhoods.

His works at this year’s ART OnO delve into this realm of fantasy, where books, characters, and the act of reading become portals for self-discovery and reflection. Mane’s art reminds us of the power of imagination and its role in shaping our perception of the world.

As VILLAZAN marks a decade of artistic innovation, this exhibition at ART OnO Fair 2025 serves as both a tribute to our roots and an acknowledgment of the evolving nature of contemporary art. This presentation revisits the core of the movement that shaped our early years, celebrating the artists whose work transcends the playful to engage deeply with human experience.