SEOUL SayArt – At the recently concluded KIAF SEOUL 2023, a distinct sculpture caught the eyes of many attendees, feeling both familiar yet profoundly captivating. This iconic piece was, as many art aficionados speculated, the work of renowned Korean sculptor, Choi Jeong-Yoon. 

▲ Choi Jeong-Yoon's Signature Sculpture, Photo by Sims Green@SayArt.

Choi's sculptures, often characterized by vines bound tightly with delicate threads, encapsulate a unique aesthetic reminiscent of his signature sword creations. In a previous interview, Choi described the sword as a "symbol of wealth and absolute power" and "the crystallization of human civilization." He went on to elucidate how the body of his sculptures represents an organic space with hidden desires, akin to the seed of a flower.

▲ Choi Jeong-Yoon's Signature Sculpture, Cuertesy of Choi Jeong-Yoon.

While swords in human history have often been associated with aggression, Choi’s interpretations use natural 'threads,' eliminating their inherent sharpness. These threads, having journeyed alongside human civilization, contain a mystical essence that binds relationships. By hand-winding the thread around his sculptures, Choi combines form and content, infusing his work with a philosophical aesthetic. His approach diminishes the aggressive nature of swords and replaces it with the concealed emotions found within human beings.

For a decade, Choi has been experimenting with materials like thread and salt in his pursuit to craft the perfect 'sword.' His commitment is evident as he meticulously crafts each piece by hand, pouring his soul into every work, earning them the status of masterpieces.

In 1999, Choi debuted with a solo exhibition at Seokyeong Gallery, showcasing three-legged pottery pieces that hinted at mythological worship. Over the years, his art evolved, gravitating towards mixed materials. By 2009, at the Artside Gallery exhibition, Choi began to marry ceramics with installation sculpture elements. Delving deep into his craft, Choi explored materials like salt and thread, culminating in the 'The Flesh of Passage' exhibition, which showcased 33 pieces, including 17 salt-infused works, at Gallery Sejul in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

▲ Choi Jeong-Yoon, Cuertesy of Choi Jeong-Yoon.

It's believed that this latter connection led to his feature at KIAF SEOUL 2023. Amongst the myriad of art pieces, Choi's sculpture stood as a testament to his craftsmanship, outshining many other works.

Choi Jeong-Yoon, an alumnus of Gyeongju High School and Seoul National University College of Fine Arts, has also been a spotlight feature in international art arenas. With solo exhibitions in places like Geumsan Gallery in Tokyo and Osaka, and presence in prestigious events such as the Volta Show Basel, Art Paris, Vienna Art Fair, and Art Stage Singapore, Choi continues to capture the attention of art critics and collectors worldwide.

Sayart.net
Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com