By Margerie Silver
New York City's vibrant art scene is about to get an impressive taste of Korean contemporary creativity. The Korean Association of New York Artists (KANA), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Korean creatives in the city, is preparing to present at the upcoming
Focus Art Fair, which runs from May 15 to 18 at Chelsea Industrial in New York City. This exhibition marks a significant step for KANA in its mission to foster cross-cultural dialogue and bring Korean artistic voices to a broader range of audiences.
At the core of this exciting endeavor is Lina Haelin Hwang, a curator and arts manager with a unique perspective molded by her experiences both in Seoul, South Korea and New York City. Originally from Seoul, Hwang holds a BFA and MFA in Sculpture, along with a double major in Art History, from Ewha Womans University. Further advancing her expertise, she earned an MA in Arts and Cultural Management from Pratt Institute in New York. Since 2023, Hwang has been a valuable member of the Visual Arts team at the Korean Cultural Center New York, and simultaneously serves as the Project Management Team Manager and Curator at KANA, the
Korean Association of New York Artists.
Hwang's curatorial vision, demonstrated in past projects like "Binary Equilibrium" and "Unbound Playground," both held in New York, is now focused on KANA's presence at Focus Art Fair. We had the opportunity to speak with Hwang about this pivotal moment for KANA, her curatorial approach, and the importance of showcasing Korean art at the international stage.
A Strategic Move: KANA at Focus Art Fair
"As the Project Manager and Head Curator of KANA's Project Management Team, I am leading this presentation at Focus Art Fair New York as the main curator," Hwang explains. While Jaeyeon Jung is participating as a partner curator, Hwang emphasizes her role in overseeing the overall vision and direction of KANA’s participation.
The decision to participate in Focus Art Fair, Hwang explains, was a strategic one. "Our decision to participate in Focus Art Fair was developed by our desire to introduce Korean contemporary artists into broader audiences and foster more of an international exposure for KANA's curatorial voice."
The fair's specific focus on being the meeting point for contemporary art and the digital world played a vital role in KANA's decision. "The fair’s focus on the intersection of art and technology offered an ideal platform to present Korean artists whose practices reflect humanistic and material approaches—offering a counterpoint to hyper-digital trends," said Hwang. She firmly believes that this presented a unique opportunity to showcase Korean artists whose work offers a thoughtful response to the increasingly digital landscape.
Beyond the showcasing of the art itself at the art fair, Hwang highlights the opportunity for KANA to connect with a broader network. "It’s also a valuable opportunity to connect with other curators and institutions active in New York City and beyond." This networking aspect is crucial for KANA's long-term growth and its ability to further support Korean artists in the city.
Beyond Quantity: Highlighting Unique Perspectives
When asked about the importance of seeing more Korean art at American art fairs, Hwang's response goes beyond simply increasing the numbers. "Rather than simply increasing the quantity of Korean art at U.S. art fairs, our goal is to showcase the kind of work that only Korean artists can uniquely offer."
She underlines the deeply personal, culturally grounded, and materially distinct perspectives that Korean contemporary artists can bring to their practice. "Korean contemporary artists often bring deeply personal, culturally grounded, and materially distinct perspectives to their practice. These narratives and formal qualities can offer audiences in the U.S. a fresh, new lens through which to encounter not only Korea's art scene but also through broader global issues."
Hwang highlights the demanding nature of art fairs, where first impressions are paramount. "Especially in a fair setting where rapid viewing and first impressions dominate, works that embody both artistic integrity and cultural specificity can leave a lasting impact."
Ultimately, Hwang's vision is about fostering understanding and appreciation. "Through this opportunity, we aim to inhibit a deeper understanding and appreciation of Korean artists as integral voices in the global contemporary art conversation."
A Two-Person Presentation: Paul Rho and Hyoju Cheon
This year, KANA's booth will feature a carefully curated two-person presentation of works by Paul Rho and Hyoju Cheon, both of whom are South Korean, New York-based artists. Hwang describes these artists and their work as important to the Korean art scene in NYC.
Paul Rho is a visual artist who explores the materiality and chemical properties of photography. His recent works drew inspiration from traditional Korean pottery, music, and craft, reflecting a unique synthesis of form and substance. Rho's work promises to be a fascinating exploration of artistic heritage and contemporary techniques.
Meanwhile, South Korean artist Hyoju Cheon’s interdisciplinary practice responds to site-specific conditions through space, objects, and the moving body. Her recent works focus on movement and play, creating installations that invite interaction and evoke physical and emotional presence. Cheon's interactive installations offer a different, more embodied experience for viewers.
Hwang believes that these two artists, despite their different mediums and approaches, will create a compelling and cohesive experience within the booth. "Both artists bring a deeply experimental yet poetic approach to the booth, offering viewers a sensory and contemplative experience structured in Korean aesthetics and contemporary dialogue," she said.
Joining the Conversation: Focus Talk Program
Beyond the booth exhibition, Hwang will also be participating in the Focus Talk program, further conveying KANA's voice within the art fair. The topic of her talk is "Notable Shifts in Contemporary Korean Art: Curatorial Practices of Media and Experience" on May 16 at Focus Art Fair. This talk promises to offer a valuable outlook into the evolving landscape of Korean contemporary art and the role of curatorial practices in shaping its reception.
Looking Ahead: Beki Song's Solo Exhibition
Hwang's curatorial activities extend beyond the Focus Art Fair. She is also preparing to launch South Korean artist Beki Song's upcoming solo exhibition, titled "Love Me Anyway?," which opens at the
Art Pan Gallery in New York City, which will run from May 10 to 16.
"The projection explores the themes of unconditional love for imperfect and raw beings," Hwang explains. "Her recent series Wild Babies consists of sculptural figures crafted from clay, plaster, and synthetic hair. These creatures, born from the artist’s own body or imagination, stare back at the viewer with ambiguous expressions—neither clearly emotional nor entirely blank."
Hwang describes the intended experience of the expression, moving away from analysis and towards acceptance. "Rather than inviting analysis, the exhibition offers a space to simply dwell among them and accept their presence," she said.
As the curator, Hwang is an overseer for navigating the audience through this unique and thought-provoking world. "As the curator, my primary mission is to guide the audience through this vulnerable, disorienting world that questions the nature of love without demanding answers, but instead through quiet confrontation," said Hwang.
KANA's Impact: A Growing Force in the Art World
Lina Haelin Hwang's dedication to cultivating cross-cultural dialogue and showcasing the unique voices of Korean contemporary artists is evident in her work with KANA. Their participation in Focus Art Fair is a testament to their growing influence and as a key opportunity to elevate Korean art on a global platform.
As KANA continues to develop its platform and expand its reach, it promises to be a significant force in connecting creative communities and enriching the art world with diverse perspectives.
