SEOUL SayArt- In the streets of Korea, a distinctive artistic signature stands out - that of sculptor-drawer, JEON YONG HWAN. Though many might not recognize his name, it's hard to miss his iconic "Apple Sculpture" – a staple in Korean public art.  

▲ Jeon Yong-hwan, a drawing sculptor, has set up the Cheonan Art Museum's "Invitation Exhibition of Middle-Aged Artists." Courtesy of Jeon Yong-hwan

JEON's renowned "Transforming Cycles" series, inspired by protein structures, delves deep into the concept of "circulation". He eloquently captures this as “continuously repeating a certain flow of change within a single loop". The essence of his work lies in illustrating how intricate loops, regardless of how tangled, always find a way to reconvene.

A striking example can be found in a park where an apple, encased in a net, intriguingly takes the form of another apple. This is JEON's brilliant representation of "circulation" at play. Crafting layers upon layers of apples from a singular aluminum plate, JEON's sculptures offer viewers a reflection on human life, likened to a Möbius strip – never-ending and without a discernible starting point.

▲ Jeon Yong-hwan, a drawing sculptor, has set up the Cheonan Art Museum's "Invitation Exhibition of Middle-Aged Artists." Courtesy of Jeon Yong-hwan

Interestingly, JEON likens his artistic process to architecture. He meticulously cuts and welds individual aluminum pieces, transforming flat entities into a captivating three-dimensional space. His methodology too is a nod to his favorite theme - "circulation". Starting from a plain surface, JEON's artistry offers no definite front or back, start or end.

This year, the Cheonan Museum of Art has recognized JEON YONG HWAN's significant contributions, selecting him for their 2023 invitation exhibition for mid-career artists, featuring his collection "Transferming Cycle, Space - From One".

▲ Jeon Yong-hwan, a drawing sculptor, has set up the Cheonan Art Museum's "Invitation Exhibition of Middle-Aged Artists." Courtesy of Jeon Yong-hwan

The 2023 showcase, specifically curated for mid-career artists, will prominently feature JEON's collection, "Transferming Cycle, Space - From One". This is a testament to JEON's significant impact in the realm of public art and his ability to capture life's continuities in his intricate pieces.

Sayart.net
Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com