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Cheolgyu KANG | Kiaf SEOUL 2024 HIGHLIGHT Award Winner Spotlight

 

ⓒHarper’s BAZAAR Photo: Guno Lee

Recent Activities and Art Practice

Since winning the Kiaf HIGHLIGHTS award, have there been any changes in your artistic practice or personal life?

I’ve remained focused on my work. However, things have undoubtedly become busier since the award. With multiple projects and exhibitions overlapping, my days have been quite hectic. Still, I’m grateful to be consistently engaged in my practice.

 

Cheolgyu KANG, The altar of a lake, 227.5×182cm, Oil on canvas, 2024

Are there any recent exhibitions, projects, or collaborations you’d like to highlight?

When I won the Kiaf HIGHLIGHTS award, I was selected for ‘Kumho Young Artist’ at Kumho Museum of Art.  I’m currently preparing for the exhibition. As I work on it, different events and thoughts intertwine, shaping the conceptual foundation of the show. This exhibition will present two contrasting perspectives—one of those who strive to overcome and one of those who fail to move forward—reflecting the inner conflicts and dualities we all experience.

 

Installation view of ‘NEXT CODE 2024’ at DAEJEON MUSEUM OF ART

Exhibitions and Future Plans

Have you participated in or planned any overseas exhibitions, fairs, or projects?

At the moment, I’m more focused on domestic exhibitions rather than international ones. I tend to participate pre-planned exhibitions, which allows me to consider how my work integrates into different curatorial frameworks. I find it intriguing to explore how my work is perceived in various spatial contexts and how it can engage in dialogue with its surroundings. Rather than simply fitting my work into a given exhibition, I aim to examine how space and artwork can interact meaningfully.

 

Installation view of ‘NEXT CODE 2024’ at DAEJEON MUSEUM OF ART

Future Goals and Artistic Direction

Are there any upcoming projects or artistic goals you’re currently working towards?

My goal has always been the same—to create satisfactory paintings. More specifically, I strive to express emotions and narratives with greater depth and clarity through my work. Moving forward, I want to continue refining my visual language and developing works with even greater intensity and richness.

 

Cheolgyu KANG, Idea creature, 162.2×130.4cm, Oil on canvas, 2024

The Impact of Winning Kiaf HIGHLIGHTS

Has winning the Kiaf HIGHLIGHTS award had any positive impact on your artistic journey?

The most rewarding aspect was having my work seen by a larger audience. I can’t say for certain how my work resonated with the viewers, but knowing that many people took a moment to engage with it was fulfilling in itself. Given the effort I put into my practice, that kind of recognition feels meaningful.