Chun Kwang Young
Aggregation 2007–2011
May 25–June 30, 2011
Opening:
June 1, 2011, 5pm
GALLERY HYUNDAI Gangnam Space
Art Tower, 640-6, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu
Seoul, Korea 135-896
T 82. (0)2. 519.0800
F 82. (0)2. 519.0880
Gallery Hours: Tues – Sun 10am – 6pm
Admission free
A triangular styrofoam covered in Korean mulberry paper, or hanji, is the fundamental unit of his works that persisted throughout his oeuvre since 1990s. Hundreds of these sculptural forms, each a result of a meticulous handicraft, dominate his two-dimensional works and three-dimensional installations alike, offering glimpses to the structural working method that also pay tribute to the concept of harmony and balance emphasized in Korean culture. The individual miniscule pieces that embody individual stories and experiences are aggregated to mount up to a dominating scale, exuding a totem-like presence that suggests its indefatigable ties to the traditions and roots. A highly utilitarian material in Korean culture, the mulberry paper has been associated with floor and window coverings, candy and medicinal wrappers for its quality to absorb humidity in addition to its use as writing and printing material. In particular, Chun uses papers recycled from old books, adding another layer of cultural context to ruminate upon.
Born in Hongchoen, Kwangwon Province in 1944, Chun Kwang Young earned his B.F.A. in Fine Art from Hong-Ik University’s Painting Department and a M.F.A. from Philadelphia School of Art. In 2001 he received the prestigious artist of the year award from the National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea. Chun has held numerous solo and group exhibitions at prominent academic institutes and museums including Mori Arts Center (2009), The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum (2008), The Contemporary Museum in Honolulu, Hawaii (2003), and Columbus Museum in Columbus, Georgia (2002). His works are included in public and private collections such as Woodrow Wilson International Center, Washington D.C., United Nations Headquarters, New York, University of Virginia Art Museum, Charlottesville, Virginia, Malta National Museum, Saint Julian, Malta, Rockefeller Foundation, New York, National Gallery of Australia at Canberra, Canberra, and National Museum of Contemporary Art, Seoul. The artist will also have a solo museum exhibition at Knoxville Museum of Art in USA from June 9 to September 4, 2011. The major traveling exhibition was previously showcased at University of Wyoming Art Museum (2009) and will travel to Lynchburg College Daura Gallery, Virginia in 2012. Exhibited throughout the major academic venues in the U.S., the show will offer a rare occasion to view his work’s up-close in large scale. Concurrent to the current exhibition, Chun will also unveil his large-scale installation piece at the public space within the exhibition centre during May 26–29 for the Hong Kong International Art Fair 2011.
For more information about the exhibition: www.galleryhyundai.com
For further media inquiries, please contact to HK Koh, PR contact, via hk.koh [at] galleryhyundai.com
