Q. Where did it all begin? How did you develop your passion for art?
I have a unique background like many of those working in contemporary art. Although I majored in biological science at university, I’ve always had a passion for art and I was drawn to artists’ flexibility in working across academic and geographic borders. At the time, few people saw a connection between art and science - but this perception has completely changed over the past decade. I had a chance to work with Carsten Höller, who has a doctorate in agricultural science. He is a working scientist and artist, which is completely embraced nowadays. I believe that art is important in helping us to expand our understanding of the world and that it poses important questions for society and the future. Collaborative projects are essential to art and art is essential to innovation.
Q. Can you tell us about your current role?
I work as an assistant manager of ARTLAB, Hyundai Motor Company- but I would like to call myself a curator and an innovator of the open platform. It is a special team within the company which develops new forms of communication and technology. Knowing that different industries can collaborate to create synergy, Hyundai always seeks for a new way to incorporate its technology with different ideas. You can easily find this joint technological and cultural force as many high-tech products, including automobiles, are now deeply embedded within our daily lives.
For example, I’ve been very involved in curating the exhibition at Hyundai Motorstudio. It is a brand space but also a platform to test and to showcase collaborative works by artists, technicians and institutions. Last year, we had an exhibition with Ars Electronica, the new media art institution based in Austria. The artist who was a part of the exhibition worked with many emerging technologies including AR and VR. It was an amazing experience to communicate and to exchange ideas with those who work at the intersection of these seemingly different fields. I also had the pleasure to present at the 2019 Art+Tech Summit: A.I. Revolution. It was a joyful experience to meet intellectual minds with in-depth knowledge and I was so excited to see great collaboration between my company and Christie’s.
Q. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Within my position, I have been deeply involved in exploring the new role of art in art+tech. Artists often experiment with new technologies in their practices. We believe that our engagement with artists, through the exploration of art and technology, will help transform the experiences that Hyundai Motor can offer as a technology company. Through this convergence, I feel that my position is in search of a broader mission to find a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Q. What aspects of studying at Christie’s Education did you enjoy most? How did it assist your career path?
To take my first step into the world of art, I had to search for the right place to begin my journey. After some years of research, I decided to go to Christie’s Education to get my degree in Modern and Contemporary Art and the Market. It was the right decision for me as a soft-landing into the field. The courses have dealt with the dense, comprised history of contemporary art. Above all, the experience helped me to jump right into this career path by giving me the chance to stay connected with many professionals. It has broadened my view and made me realize the world evolves at a much faster speed than you think - opportunity is abundant.
Q. How should a new student make the most of their time at CE?
Please stay connected with everyone you meet at Christie’s - you never know what the future has in store for you. Also, make the most out of your position as a Christie’s student. Because of Christie’s strong brand name, I was able to explore and connect with different institutions and professionals from the beginning of my career. Try to visit as many sites as you can and try not to miss any of the lectures or field trips. Every encounter and conversation you have at Christie’s will be a part of a valuable experience.
Image credit: WOW Inc.,Unity of Motion, 2015-2016 (Installation at Hyundai Motorstudio Seoul)