Jon Dunbar is a copy editor at The Korea Times, as well as editor of the Foreign Community page and curator of the Korea Times Archive. If you have suggestions for possible articles, or wish to contribute articles yourself, contact jdunbar@koreatimes.co.kr.
Hechyeomoyeo prepares to wrap up 10th group exhibition with big closing party
Light Gallery is filled with art and people during the opening party for Hechyeomoyeo 10 in central Seoul's Yongsan District, March 30. Courtesy of Neil Wheelock Deforest Smith
By Jon Dunbar
The 10th Hechyeomoyeo (HCMY) group art exhibition is wrapping up this Friday after an action-packed 20 days.
The exhibition brought together 270 artists — after pledging to cap the number at 200. Each received a space on the wall at Light Gallery in Yongsan District to display their work. The result was a mosaic of all kinds of different art displayed around the four walls of the gallery.
Diverse art fills the walls during the opening party for Hechyeomoyeo 10 at Light Gallery in central Seoul's Yongsan District, March 30. Korea Times photo by Jon Dunbar
According to Neil Wheelock Deforest Smith, the main organizer of HCMY, 120 of the participating artists were first-time exhibitiors.
"Two of the artists have been in nine of the exhibitions," he added. "About a dozen have been in less than that but more than a few."
The number of new people reflects the openness of the concept, inviting literally anyone to display their work or contribute in some other way.
"What I like about Hechyeomoyeo is it's a bit more relaxed, a bit more free-form," said Barend Harris, a British maker of games, illustrations, music and software who displayed his art, as well as performed music during the event's run.
Barend Harris introduces his art piece, the black-and-white image that looks like fish vomiting, during the opening party for Hechyeomoyeo 10 at Light Gallery in central Seoul's Yongsan District, March 30. Korea Times photo by Jon Dunbar
He said he preferred the concept to many other art galleries, which he described as "sterile" in comparison to HCMY.
"There's something to look at in every direction," he said about HCMY.
Having so many participants also contributes to the party-like atmosphere of the event, and ensures strong attendance.
A DJ sets up during the opening party for Hechyeomoyeo 10 at Light Gallery in central Seoul's Yongsan District, March 30. Korea Times photo by Jon Dunbar
"This is about the networking, the vibes and the free Monster," said Chewy Thomson, a Canadian digital creator, referring to a large stack of Monster Energy drinks available free of charge at the opening event.
Thomson contributed his art not only to the gallery walls, but also on beer cans. A collaboration with Chillhops Brewing and Dialogue Seoul offered five unique designs featuring the work of participating artists.
Artists from Seoul Share pose together at the Hechyeomoyeo group exhibition at Light Gallery in Yongsan District, April 3. Courtesy of Neil Wheelock Deforest Smith
Throughout the 20-day run, various side events and collaborations came to fruition in the gallery space. This included a drawing event with Seoul Share meetup group, a reading event with Seoul Silent Book Club as well as numerous workshops, tutorials and music performances. The onslaught of events ensures that people keep coming to the space.
Adoptee artist Eunha Lovell shows off her art, "Earth Mother of Adoptees," to the right of her, during the opening party for Hechyeomoyeo 10 at Light Gallery in central Seoul's Yongsan District, March 30. Korea Times photo by Jon Dunbar
If the goal was to engage a larger audience for the art and bring together creators with viewers, mission accomplished. At most times, some of the artists have been present to introduce their work.
Most of the art was put up on display by volunteers prior to the opening party, placing the art on the walls at random. This ensured an even texture of art all around the room. It also results in some artists finding their work displayed close to the floor, or high up where it can be hard to view.
Dominika Kustosz-Lee from Poland stands beneath her art piece, during the opening party for Hechyeomoyeo 10 at Light Gallery in central Seoul's Yongsan District, March 30. Korea Times photo by Jon Dunbar
Not all of the participating artists were able to visit the venue, as many of them sent in their art from overseas. About 15 countries were represented, including India, France, Canada, the U.S., Ukraine, South Africa and China.
What's next for HCMY? Smith released an open call last Friday seeking participants for the next massive exhibition in June, this time to be held in Da Nang, Vietnam.
Visit hcmy.org or follow @thehechyeomoyeo on Instagram for more information.