Art is a way to see the world through another perspective, and Irene Gong, a New York-based curator, working internationally, abides by the truth that art “enriches our lives by embracing our shared humanity.” I couldn’t agree more. She recently curated an exhibition with the landscape architect and visual artist Kejoo Park in New York. Gong also had her start in another industry but has quickly made a name for herself in the art world. Stéphanie Jeanjean, an active art historian, curator, translator, and educator associated with Sotheby’s Institute and Cooper Union based in New York, remarked, “Her understanding of space, history, and the artworks is exceptional, and she is truly talented.”
Impressed by her work, Gritdaily sat down with the Korean-born curator whose aim it is to continue to curate Korean artists, broadcasting their work to the world.
What are the traits of a good curator?
I find that curating immersive and experiential shows, while also providing academic context, stimulates thoughtful questions in the audience’s mind and encourages them to engage deeply with the exhibition and the art.
How will you continue to keep your relationship with the Korean art world active as you live in NYC?
I plan to not only curate Korean artists living abroad or in close proximity to the city, but I would also love to work with Korean artists based in Korea and showcase their exhibitions in New York City. If I find the right space that perfectly matches the artists I have met and visited in Korea, I would be eager to facilitate the exhibition right away. It gives me fulfillment to contribute to promoting art from my native culture and to grow together as we navigate the contemporary art world and communicate with living artists in real-time. How exciting!
You got your start in hospitality and then decided to shift gears into working with art. Can you tell me more about why and how?
I initially chose to study hospitality at New York University because I was interested in the cultural complexes built in urban cities. I also love food, art, and wine, so I thought working in hospitality would be perfect for me. But after attending art classes in Korea and going through the entire process of painting, shipping, curating, and promoting a show, curation became my calling. I truly loved it.
During the pandemic, I left New York and returned to Korea, where I decided to try a painting class offered by Gana Atelier, a residency program. There, I met artist-in-residence Sara Lee, my wonderful mentor to this day, who taught me everything from painting techniques at her studio to the Korean art market. Learning from her, I also appreciated the opportunity to visit the artist residency once a week and speak with living artists about their work and practices.
As the lessons progressed, I became eager to realize my own exhibition, so I began searching for a space that could represent me. I eventually found a small gallery in Seoul near Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional Korean neighborhood rich in culture. After learning from Sara Lee for about a year and a half, I successfully curated my solo exhibition, Nature & Tradition. This experience led me to study art further at Sotheby’s Institute of Art in New York.
You have recently founded a company that will help artists produce and display public art work. Ambitious! How did this come about and what are your goals?
Yes! PPULI PROJECT. During my studies at Sotheby’s Institute, I first learned about site-specificity in art, public art, immersive art, experiential art, participatory art, and situational art. I was immediately captivated by how art in the public realm or participatory art installations can engage a large audience. It is truly amazing when these works address current social, economic, and political issues as they raise questions for a broader audience through the power of art.
How can the landscape for curators change for the better in the New York versus Korean art world?
I would enjoy working with curators from different countries to plan a cross-cultural or traveling exhibition, as it would showcase various cultures and localities at each location. Alternatively, a collaborative exhibition in New York could bring fresh perspectives by incorporating insights from different cultures and traditions.
Why is art important for the world?
Art is crucial. It is a visual language through which you can communicate with others without having to speak the same language or culture. Its impact is so profound that good art enables everyone to understand the context instantly. One of my professors from SIA once said, “The exhibition should speak for itself,” and I completely agree. A well-curated exhibition imparts lessons beyond words, just as the artwork itself does.
Additionally, art enriches our lives by embracing our shared humanity. It serves as a cultural dialogue that reflects identity. Whether you are staring at art at home or visiting exhibitions, you gain new perspectives and engage in critical thinking shaped by each artist’s life and experiences.
Art can also be a shared experience that connects people. Having access to the richness of art and culture contributes to emotional stability and personal growth.
“Kejoo Park: Echoes in Time,” curated by Irene Gong, is currently open July 26-August 28th at Space776, 37-39 Clinton St, 10002, NY, NY.
