Photograph by Hyo Jin An

Choong Sup Lim: In Between
February 19 – April 12, 2025
Opening Reception: Wednesday, February 19, 6-8pm
Atrium and Gallery

The Korean Cultural Center New York is proud to present an exhibition celebrating the profound artistic legacy of Choong Sup Lim (b. 1941). Lim’s work transcends the boundaries of nature and civilization, tradition and modernity, Korea and New York, illuminating the transformative potential of the liminal spaces where these realms converge.

“I do not belong anywhere.”

This statement epitomizes Lim’s identity as an artist who resists categorization, instead embracing the creative tension found in the margins. By integrating natural materials such as Hanji, wood, and stone with contemporary forms, Lim bridges dichotomies—past and present, East and West—crafting a visual language that is at once deeply personal and universally resonant.

In 1973, Lim relocated to New York, a move that marked a pivotal moment in his career. Over the decades, he has established himself as a leading presence among Korean artists in the city, shaping a distinctive practice that harmonizes Korean aesthetics with global influences. New York’s fast-paced urban environment became the catalyst for his exploration of balance and order inspired by nature, resulting in a body of work that reflects both introspection and bold innovation. Born in Jincheon, a rural town in central South Korea, Lim’s early life in this agrarian landscape left an indelible mark on his artistic vision. His practice explores the interplay between his childhood memories and the urban dynamism of New York, revealing an ongoing dialogue between nostalgia and modernity.

Central to Lim’s work is the use of found objects, which serve as vessels of memory and time. His early explorations included minimalist drawings on Hanji and experimental spatial installations. In later decades, Lim incorporated found objects more actively, reimagining their histories and meanings as part of his visual narrative. His recent installations, marked by intricate craftsmanship, merge Korean sensibilities with contemporary relevance, offering a profound meditation on cultural duality and artistic reinvention.

To learn more and RSVP, click here.