Hangeul Wall Unveiling, Ik-Joong Kang’s 40-Year Retrospective Poster ©
The Korean Cultural Center New York (KCCNY) presents a groundbreaking installation and retrospective by acclaimed artist Ik-Joong Kang, unveiling the world’s first and largest Hangeul Wall alongside his 40-year retrospective, “We Are Connected.” This milestone exhibition runs from September 26 to November 7, 2024, with an opening ceremony on September 25 from 6–8 PM at KCCNY’s Gallery and Atrium.
A Monument of Language and Unity
Spanning 26 x 72 feet (8 x 22 meters) and composed of 20,000 Hangeul tiles, the Hangeul Wall embodies the spirit of global connection. In collaboration with LG, KCCNY launched a website, inviting people worldwide to create digital artworks under the theme “Things I Love to Talk About.” The response was extraordinary—7,000 submissions from 100+ countries, with 1,000 selected through public voting and artist review to form this monumental piece.
Traditionally, walls divide. But Kang’s Hangeul Wall transforms this idea, becoming a canvas of unity, where language and creativity merge to express shared human experiences.
Ik-Joong Kang’s Artistic Evolution
More than an installation, the Hangeul Wall marks a shift in Kang’s practice—integrating digital participation into his artistic process. This interactive approach signals a new era in his work, where collective voices shape his vision.
Alongside the Hangeul Wall, the retrospective showcases two major works that highlight key moments in Kang’s career:
“1392 Moon Jars (Wind)” (2008–10)– On loan from the Guggenheim Museum, this breathtaking installation of 1,392 glazed porcelain jars reflects Kang’s belief in interconnectedness, each jar symbolizing an individual wish within a larger cosmic whole. The number 1,392 coincidentally aligns with the founding year of Korea’s Joseon Dynasty, adding historical depth.
“Throw Everything Together and Add” (1984–96)– On loan from the Whitney Museum of American Art, this work comprises 6,000 miniature canvases, inspired by New York’s diversity and the Korean dish bibimbap—a metaphor for cultural fusion. It marks the genesis of Kang’s signature style, where thousands of small elements unite to form a larger narrative.
A Dialogue Between East and West
Kang’s art bridges Korean tradition and contemporary global culture. His fascination with Hangeul, Moon Jars, and communal storytelling transforms everyday materials into profound visual metaphors, illustrating the deep connections between memory, identity, and collective history.
His works are held in major collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, British Museum, Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles, Ludwig Museum, and the National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea. His accolades include the Special Merit Prize at the 1997 Venice Biennale and the Golden Lion Award at the 2014 Venice Architecture Biennale.
Expanding the Vision: Global Projects
Kang’s large-scale installations have made a global impact:
“Amazed World” (2001, United Nations, New York) – A mosaic of 40,000 children’s drawings from 150 countries, commissioned by the Republic of Korea and UNICEF.
“Floating Dreams” (2016, River Thames, London) – A tribute to Korean War refugees and displaced communities worldwide.
“Things I Know” (2023, Madrid, Spain) – A Hangeul mosaic created with Korean language students in Spain, symbolizing linguistic and cultural exchange.
“Four Temples” (2024, Giza, Egypt) – A monumental Hangeul Temple installation near the Pyramids of Giza, in collaboration with Art D’Egypte, featuring translations of the Korean folk song “Arirang” in Arabic, English, Hangeul, and Hieroglyphs.
“Hangeul Wall” and “We Are Connected” will be on view at KCCNY (122 E 32nd St, New York) until November 7, 2024.
The Hangeul Wall Project is made possible through the support of KCCNY, the Ik-Joong Kang Foundation, LG, KISS, CLT, and the Yanghyun Foundation.
