Current Event
The Present Tense
On view: November 19 - December 18, 2026
Tuesday - Friday: 10 AM - 6 PM / Saturday: 11 AM - 5 PM
Closed on Sunday and Monday.
Venue: Gallery (2F) at the KCCNY
122 East 32nd Street, New York, NY, 10016
The Korean Cultural Center New York is pleased to present The Present Tense, a special exhibition organized in collaboration with the National Academy of Arts, Republic of Korea. Bringing together 25 works by 20 current members of the Academy’s Fine Arts Division and five late masters—Kim Whanki, Chun Kyungja, Suh Seok, Lee Jongsang, and Chung Sanghwa—the exhibition highlights the artistic achievements and creative spirit that have shaped modern and contemporary Korean art.
Spanning painting, sculpture, crafts, calligraphy, and architecture, the exhibition showcases the diverse artistic practices and visual languages developed by Korean artists across generations. Through their explorations of traditional materials, innovative techniques, and new forms of expression, these artists have continually expanded the possibilities of Korean art.
Ik-Joong Kang
Hangeul Wall: Things I Love to Talk About, 2024
20,000 Hangeul tiles (Mixed media on wood: 3x3 inches each)
Dimensions: Approximately 26 x 72 ft (8 x 22 meters)
Korean Cultural Center New York
Hangeul Wall: Things I Love to Talk About
Venue: Atrium at the KCCNY
- 122 East 32nd Street, New York, NY, 10016
The Hangeul Wall, measuring 26 x 72 feet (8 x 22 meters) and composed of 20,000 Hangeul tiles, connects the wisdom and experiences of global citizens. Developed in collaboration with LG CNS, KCCNY launched a website in May 2024, enabling people worldwide to create their own artworks using the site's translation and coloring functions under the theme “Things I Love to Talk About.” The website attracted over 8.2 million visits from more than 50 countries and received 7,000 artwork submissions within two months. From these, 1,000 pieces were selected through public online voting and artist review, culminating in this monumental installation.
The Hangeul Wall stands as a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of Hangeul and the universal freedom of expression, serving as a testament to our shared human narratives. Traditionally, walls are seen as barriers that divide and separate; however, the Hangeul Wall represents a different kind of structure—a wall of peace and unity. It transcends the conventional notion of separation to become a canvas of connection and harmony.
More than just an artwork, it marks a new chapter in Kang's artistic journey by fostering two-way communication with his audience, inviting them to co-create and participate in the artistic process through a digital platform. This collaborative approach not only underscores the dynamic interaction between the artist and the public but also suggests the future direction of Kang’s work, where collective voices and shared experiences play a central role in shaping his evolving artistic vision.
Past Events
