Kyobo Art Space is hosting the exhibition Faith of the Disappointed from December 12, 2024, to February 2, 2025. The exhibition invites audiences to reflect on the dual forces of disappointment and belief through the works of nine participating artists, blending visual art and literary expression to offer solace and contemplation during the year’s transition into a new one.

The exhibition delves into the notion that disappointment often stems from an intrinsic desire to believe in something better. Whether it’s faith in a fairer future, the ability to overcome personal shortcomings, or the hope for restored health, Faith of the Disappointed seeks to uncover how these emotions coexist within us. The artists explore the inherent vulnerability of humanity, revealing how even in moments of disillusionment, we cling to aspirations for improvement and transformation.

Three visual artists—Kim Hye Won, Park Ju Ae, and Jung Ah Rong—contribute works that examine disappointment and belief through the medium of painting. Their artistic statements reveal personal encounters with these emotions. Kim Hye Won reflects, “Faced with a blank canvas and no clear subject, I find myself unable to draw anything at all.” Park Ju Ae likens fragmented human forms in her work to the accidental discovery of life itself, while Jung Ah Rong explores humanity’s historic reliance on magic to conquer uncertainty, drawing parallels to modern expressions of hope.

Accompanying these visual pieces are essays penned by five writers: poet Kim Yong Taek, communication scholar Kim Ju Hwan, poet Park Yeon Jun, poet-philosopher Seo Dong Wook, and neuroscientist Jung Jae Seung. Their writings resonate as messages of comfort and introspection, offering glimpses into their reflections over the past year. These texts connect deeply with the lives of readers, creating moments of shared humanity and understanding.

The exhibition also offers an interactive experience in the form of a space dedicated to creating a personal “timeline of hope” for 2025. Visitors are encouraged to think about what they wish to dedicate their time and love to in the coming year. This participatory element allows individuals to leave behind small, collective aspirations, transforming the exhibit into a repository of shared dreams for the future.

Faith of the Disappointed not only bridges the gap between the visual and literary arts but also invites its audience to engage actively in the themes it explores. By contemplating disappointment as a prelude to belief, the exhibition provides a profound and hopeful space for reflection as one year ends and another begins.

Sayart / Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com