National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art 'Artist of the Year' Yang Jeonguk... "Outstandingly Shows the Joy of Art"

National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, 'Artist of the Year Award 2024'
A Warm Perspective on Humanity
Depicting Dreamlike Scenes of Life
"An Excellent Expression of the Comfort and Joy Art Brings"
Exhibition at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art until the 23rd

The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art announced on the 13th that Yang Jung-wook has been selected as the final winner of the 'Artist of the Year Award 2024,' co-hosted with the SBS Foundation.

Yang Jung-wook. Courtesy of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

The 'Artist of the Year Award' is a leading art award in South Korea, jointly hosted by the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and the SBS Foundation since 2012. Each year, four capable contemporary visual artists addressing aesthetic and social issues are selected to receive opportunities for new work production and exhibitions, with one chosen as the final winner.

The final winner, Yang Jung-wook, conveys his vision of life through warm stories embedded in moving sculptures. The exhibition features works such as In the Unknown Field of an Acquaintance (2024) and Hearts That Care for Each Other (2024). Additionally, it showcases works reflecting the artist’s methodology that “technology originates from sincerity,” including Temporary Map (2024) and Picture of a Person Trying to Remember (2024).

Kim Hae-joo, Senior Curator at the Singapore Art Museum, praised the works, saying, “They reminded us once again of the power of art to offer comfort.” Luba Katrip, Curator at MoMA PS1 in New York, commented, “An artist who can further demonstrate their capabilities on the international stage.” Cosmin Costinas, Senior Curator at Haus der Kulturen der Welt (HKW), stated, “The exhibition excellently showcased the joy that art can provide.”

Kim Sung-hee, Director of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, said, “Yang Jung-wook combines the humble scenes of everyday life with beautiful dreamlike landscapes to depict the most human world,” and added, “We express our gratitude to all four supported artists who have demonstrated the outstanding capabilities of Korean contemporary art through this exhibition.”

The exhibition will continue at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul, until the 23rd.

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