Artworks

Artworks

Kim Hyun Jung's work begins with self-observation and leads to the figure of 'Naesoong,' exploring both her inner and outer worlds. From the early Naesoong series through works on marriage and relationships to pieces that expand into diverse media, the full arc of her practice can be explored here by theme.

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  I. Before Hanbok: Finding Myself Early works made before the figure and form of 'Naesoong' came into being. Rooted in an interest in portraiture and self-portraiture, these works capture a period of observing herself and searching for the 'I' she wanted to speak through her art. View 2 pieces →

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  II. Wearing Naesoong: Hiding Myself With the appearance of the hanbok-clad 'Naesoong girl,' Kim Hyun Jung's signature body of work takes shape. With humor and irony, these works unpack the modern condition of concealing one's true feelings behind outward behavior, keeping up appearances, and living a life of 'pretending.' View 52 pieces →

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  III. Taking Off Naesoong: Revealing Myself Works that capture the moment when honest desire, emotion, and action take precedence over the effort to maintain composure and appearances. Through everyday scenes of eating, playing, consuming, exercising, and enjoying life, the honest face of the modern person, once kept hidden, comes into view. View 26 pieces →

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  IV. Looking at Marriage: Questioning Relationships Looking at the institution of marriage and the relationships within it, these works speak to the gap between love and expectation, role and reality. By parodying and borrowing imagery from classic paintings and Korean art, they revisit the familiar image of marriage through a contemporary lens. View 41 pieces →

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  V. Crossing Boundaries: Expanding the Work Works that move beyond the flat picture plane of painting to expand into photography, sculpture, installation, and other media. They trace how the visual language of Korean painting and 'Naesoong' has transformed by meeting new materials, techniques, and spaces. View 27 pieces →