The Contemporary Young Korean Metal Arts Invitational

Statement From NSCAD Showing:  

I am very pleased to stage this exhibition of The Contemporary young Korean Metal Arts Invitational: 3-Year Traveling Exhibition Through America, Canada, and Korea. 

The nearly 80 representative works in this exhibition include small Wearable Arts, Sculpture, Decorative and Table-Top Functional Objects. This international exhibition is significant not only because of the outstanding quality of the metal works, but also because these prominently accomplished young Korean metal artists have been practicing and/or teaching actively in their field for over ten years. 

Their works show strong aesthetic expressions and technical capabilities representing the "cutting edge" of metal work. While the artists' works display their individualism and diversity, one can sense strong Korean sensitivities in their expressions, whether they are living in Korea, Canada or in America. Through this exhibition, one can sense the message of their concepts, elements, techniques and expressions interestingly integrating Korean/ Asian approaches and Western flair to unite dynamic cross-cultural aesthetic values. 

Their styles are indeed international, and yet very Korean in their analytical concepts, strong ambition/will power and philosophy. These artists are highly educated, as most hold Masters of Fine Arts degrees from Korea, Japan or the United States. This show promises to be exciting and noteworthy. 

The exhibition will illustrate contemporary concepts of young Koreans' sophistication, luxury, and rich artistic expressions. I believe these artists' works will become the heirlooms of tomorrow in Korea as well as for Koreans living in America and Canada.  As the organizer and curator of this  international exhibition, I selected artists who are ambitious, well trained, and cosmopolitan-minded, with strong individual values and sensitivities. As a Korean American with an advanced education in both countries, I have had the unique opportunity and pleasure of teaching and/or observing them as a Senior Fulbright Exchange Professor to Korea from 1982-1983 and 1994-1995, as well as other occasions such as conducting seminars, workshops and solo exhibitions in Korea. I highly value the educational accomplishments and professional endeavors of these artists. This special exhibition will highlight the Korean/ Asian influence in the Metal Arts community in America and Canada as well as in Korea. 

Komelia Hongja Okim 

Coordinator and Curator 

Professor of Art in Jewelry and Metalsmithing 

Montgomery College, Rockville, Maryland, USA 

Artists: