Recent Updates and Artistic Practice

Q. Since receiving the Kiaf HIGHLIGHTS award, have there been any changes in your work or personal life?

Right after last year’s Kiaf art fair, I jumped straight into preparing for this year’s exhibitions, and the workload suddenly increased. At first, I honestly wasn’t sure I could handle it physically, but after pushing past my limits a few times, I started to notice some growth—my skills improved, and I’ve built a lot more stamina for making work. Still, I want to keep creating sustainably and in good health, so once I finish my current projects, I plan to focus on taking better care of myself for a while.

Q. Art there any recent exhibitions, projects, or collaborations you’d like to share?

I’ve been working on a number of exciting opportunities both in Korea and abroad. I’ll be showing at Kiaf SEOUL and the Galleries Art Fair at COEX in Seoul, and also participating in the new Galleries Art Fair in Suwon at the Suwon Convention Center. Later this year, I’ll be part of ART ASIA DELHI in New Delhi, then back to Seoul for another edition of the Galleries Art Fair at COEX.

One special project is a tentatively solo exhibition titled The Eternal Light: Mother-of-Pearl Art, which I’ll present at Keumsan Gallery. I’m also thrilled to be participating in EXPO CHICAGO in the U.S., and in the fall, I’ll be showing at the Ink Biennale in Jeonju. It’s shaping up to be a very full and diverse year.

Last year, I took part in The World You’ll Fall for Once You Know It at the Gyeonggi Museum of Modern Art, and also joined The Delicate Hand, a collaborative exhibition between Seoul Museum of Art and the Gwanak Cultural Foundation. That one was especially memorable as it took place in a new cultural space called S1472 on Gwanchon-ro.

International Activities & Upcoming Plans

Q. Art there any overseas exhibitions, fairs, or projects you’re planning to join?

Yes! I’ll be exhibiting at the upcoming EXPO CHICAGO in collaboration with Keumsan Gallery. Including Kiaf SEOUL this year, my calendar is filled with exhibition plans.

Future Goals and Plans

Q. Are there any particular directions or goals you’re focusing on in your artistic practice moving forward?

My main focus right now is to prepare the exhibitions I’ve been entrusted with this year, step by step. At the same time, I’m in a phase where I’m letting go of a lot—and that naturally makes me think about what I want to fill those spaces with, moving forward.

Impact of the Kiaf HIGHLIGHT Award

Q. Has winning the Kiaf HIGHLIGHT awards brought any positive changes or support to your career?

Lately, I’ve been pleasantly surprised to see that institutions seem to be finding my work more easily when putting together exhibitions. I’m not very active on social media, but even so, my follower count keeps growing steadily, and now and then, someone tells me they’ve seen my work somewhere, which always catches me off guard.

I’ve held 18 solo exhibitions to date, but the visibility and recognition I received through Kiaf last year had a particularly strong impact. I’m grateful to Kiaf for that. I still have the award plaque hanging by the entrance—it gives me a little lift every time I walk by.