▲ Daisy-Chain-Agora, Mixed media, 2023 ⓒ Kim Hyun Seok, K&L Museum

The "2024 Public Art New Hero" exhibition, jointly hosted by Public Art Monthly and K&L Museum, will be held from July 5 to 25 at the K&L Museum in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province.

"Public Art New Hero" is a competition program initiated by Public Art Monthly in 2007 to discover and support creative and promising artists. To date, it has produced a total of 160 teams of artists. This year marks the sixth edition of the exhibition, featuring 29 artists selected as New Heroes between 2021 and 2024. 

▲ Daisy-Chain-Agora, Mixed media, 2023 ⓒ Kim Hyun Seok, K&L Museum

Baek Dong-min, publisher of Public Art Monthly, stated, "This exhibition offers an opportunity to encounter the next generation of artists who will lead the Korean art scene, showcasing diverse works that transcend genres and media, expanding the realm of art."

The exhibition is co-hosted with the K&L Museum, which opened last year, to support talented contemporary visual artists across all genres in Korea. Kim Sung-min, director of the K&L Museum, commented, "This event will not only be a place for visitors to appreciate artworks but also a platform for art professionals to engage in cultural exchange and share a wide range of artistic experiences." 

▲ The Gallery ⓒ K&L Museum

The "Public Art New Hero" is open to artists over the age of 20, regardless of nationality, education, career, or awards. Selected artists will receive invitations and recommendations to major exhibitions at home and abroad, and one grand prize winner will receive a creation support grant.

The participating artists include those selected from 2021 to 2024, showcasing a wide array of works such as paintings, sculptures, installations, and videos, reflecting the creativity and experimental spirit of contemporary art. 

▲ The poster of the exhibition ⓒ K&L Museum

The exhibition aims to highlight the innovative and experimental works of these artists, providing a platform for them to express their perspectives on the political, economic, and cultural realities of society. Public Art Monthly and K&L Museum seek to broaden the base of art culture by introducing the multifaceted worlds of visual artists and facilitating interactions between artists and professionals.

Through this collaboration, Public Art Monthly and K&L Museum have strengthened their support for artists by utilizing their networks and facilities to enhance communication and exchange of necessary information. The exhibition promises to be a vibrant showcase of works that expand the boundaries of art and reflect the current spirit of convergence and hybridization in the art world.

Sayart / Nao Yim, yimnao@naver.com