Kim Hye-jeong Selected for 'Craftsman of the Year' Award by Yeol Foundation

This year's winner in the creative category, Kim Hye-jeong, is a ceramic art artist recognized for her artistic experiments and aesthetic value regarding the characteristics of materials. Photo by Korea Craft & Design Foundation

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Craft & Design Foundation announced on the 6th that artist Kim Hyejeong and the foundation Yeol have been selected as the winners of the '2022 Craft of the Year Award.'

The 'Craft of the Year Award' was established in 2018 and is given to creators who contribute to the development of Korean crafts and are actively working domestically and internationally, as well as individuals or organizations in the mediation sector who contribute to the promotion of craft culture.

This year's winner in the creation category, Kim Hyejeong, is a ceramic craft artist recognized for her artistic experiments with the characteristics of materials and aesthetic value.

In particular, her works themed on 'Earth's circulation, future-oriented attitudes, and the restoration of nature-friendly lifestyles' have been highly praised for exhibitions held both domestically and internationally, as well as for advancing to the finals of the Loewe Craft Prize.

Foundation Yeol exterior view.

The mediation category awardee, Yeol (Chairman Kim Youngmyeong), was recognized for its various mediation activities over the past 20 years, including hosting exhibitions that encompass both traditional and contemporary crafts and supporting craft artists.

The awardees receive prize money (15 million KRW for the creation category, 5 million KRW for the mediation category), a commendation from the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and a trophy. The trophy is handcrafted to symbolically express the historical significance and aesthetic value of crafts. Following last year, artist Go Bohyeong was in charge of its production.

Exhibitions by awardee Kim Hyejeong will be held at the '2022 Craft Trend Fair' at COEX, Seoul, from December 9 to 12.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.