The current Crumpacker Gallery Show, “Between East and West,” presents works by Korean-American artists Jihye Han and Yeonsoo Kim. They visited St. Paul’s School from April 9-12, hosting a talk at the Crumpacker Art Gallery that showcased their artistic journey.
Jihye Han currently teaches at Phillips Exeter Academy, and is a self-described nomad. In addition to being a bright and warming presence in and out of the art classroom, her passion for artistic exploration is inspirational. Han described her journey throughout the art world and her transition from graduate schools, where endless resources were available to her, to her home studio, after she graduated. Her artist statement explains: “Jihye Han’s sculpture explores spatial relationships through ceramic objects and found materials. Jihye’s work bridges the gap between people and their environment by constructing abstract narratives with familiar materials and interactive aspects. Her installations examine the duality between the tangible and intangible into constructions of substantial shape, form, and space.” Both artists talked about their experiences originally living in Korea, and their adjustment to life in America.
Yeonsoo Kim was first taught the art of “onggi,” a Korean pottery style that varied in size, shape, and purpose. He worked at various onggi factories and became attracted to both the craftsmanship behind the works and its cultural and historical significance. While his art still includes his original teaching of clay, Kim has put his own twist on the art form, carving and painting into his works. In his personal artist statement, Kim states that his “ desire is to find and develop my aesthetic sense by focusing on the relationship of the old and the new. The interest in this relationship is getting wider and wider until it reaches human, nature, and space. Until now, a lot of effort and time were spent for develop my works [sic], yet I want to create more inspirational and touching works that integrate both technique and ideas through ceaseless efforts while developing my artistic views and values.”
Both artists visited art classes on the days they were here, and interacted meaningfully with the students, offering valuable insight and advice.