The 11th annual Chongkundang Yesuljisang (Art Prize) exhibition opened at the Sejong Cultural Center on October 10, 2024, featuring works by three emerging artists: Park Siwol, Oh Sekyung, and Choi Soojung. This exhibition runs through October 21 and highlights the latest efforts from artists who have been recognized as rising stars in the Korean contemporary art scene. Established in 2012, the Chongkundang Yesuljisang program is designed to provide both exhibition and creative opportunities to support the next generation of artists.
The Chongkundang Art Prize plays a crucial role in the Korean art world by bridging the gap between recognition and sustained support. Although many programs exist to discover and promote emerging talent, long-term backing is rare, leaving many young artists without the resources needed to continue their careers. This exhibition offers a platform for these artists to present their work while preparing for further growth and success in the future.
Park Siwol, born in 1993, captures intangible beauty in her work by utilizing glass as a medium. Her art seeks to reveal the duality of beauty—something unseen but undeniably present. Through the transparency and reflective qualities of glass, she creates a visual narrative that invites viewers to contemplate beauty’s fleeting and permanent aspects. Park’s career has quickly accelerated since her 2020 debut, and she continues to push the boundaries of what can be expressed through her chosen materials.
Oh Sekyung, born in 1985, brings an entirely different approach to painting. His work focuses on the contradictions found in everyday life, often creating staged scenes that are later translated onto the canvas. By incorporating elements of drama and tension, such as fire and light, Oh masterfully conveys feelings of unease and suspense. His meticulous process involves creating theatrical settings and directing his models, resulting in art that feels as though it is lifted from a movie scene.
Choi Soojung, born in 1977, experiments with the relationship between the physical surface of a painting and the sensory experience it evokes. By combining traditional painting techniques with installation and object-based art, she challenges conventional notions of painting and expands the boundaries of the medium. Choi’s international experience, with education from both Korea and abroad, has enriched her ability to blend Eastern and Western art philosophies in her practice.
This year’s exhibition not only showcases individual talent but also reflects the overarching mission of the Chongkundang Yesuljisang program. By focusing on young artists who have already shown significant potential, the program offers crucial second-stage support to help them further develop their creative identities. This kind of backing is essential for artists trying to navigate the highly competitive and often challenging landscape of the art world.
Additionally, the exhibition includes a special colloquium on October 12, titled “The Place of Painting,” which will explore the evolving role of painting in contemporary art. As more artists shift toward digital and new media, this discussion aims to shed light on how painting can remain relevant and dynamic in an increasingly technological art landscape. Such events help foster dialogue among artists, curators, and audiences, ensuring that painting continues to evolve.
For artists like Park, Oh, and Choi, the Chongkundang Yesuljisang is more than just an exhibition—it is a critical moment in their artistic journey. As they continue to develop their craft, programs like this ensure that they have the resources and opportunities needed to make a lasting impact on Korea’s art scene. The support from the Sejong Cultural Center and Chongkundang demonstrates a commitment to nurturing talent and ensuring that Korea’s artistic future remains vibrant.
This year's exhibition highlights not only the strength of Korea’s emerging artists but also the importance of sustained institutional support in cultivating long-term success. The Chongkundang Yesuljisang continues to provide a vital platform for artists to showcase their work and push the boundaries of their creativity.
Sayart / Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com
