[비즈한국] On a spring day when new buds are sprouting, an exhibition has opened in Insa-dong, Seoul, to awaken fixed ideas and dormant inspiration. It is a special art exhibition that discovers talented artists and connects them to exhibitions and sales.
The '2026 Korean Art Support Project Exhibition' kicked off on the 12th at the main exhibition hall on the first floor of the Insa Art Center in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Hosted by Bizhankook and the Ilyo Shinmun, and sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Korean Art Support Project Exhibition is a year-end showcase for the 'Korean Art Support Project,' which identifies and introduces diligent artists with distinct artistic visions. This marks the 11th year of the exhibition, with over 250 artists having participated and showcased their skills to date.
This year, 22 artists captivate audiences with about 90 works. Participating artists include Kang Myeong-suk, Kim Bo-min, Kim Yang-mi, Kim In, Kim Ho-seong, Kim Ho-jun, Noh Yi-seo, Park Soon-yeon, Park Jun-hee, Seong Ju-yeong, Yang Ji-hoon, Wang Yeol, Lee Mi-hee, Lee Hye-won, Je Hyeon-mo, Jo Eun-ju, Chae Jeong-wan, Koshi (Ko Seo-hee), Paul Kim (Kim Dong-seok), Han Ah-reum, Heo Chan, and Hong Dan-bi. Regardless of age, experience, or genre, the selected artists are those who have quietly pursued their own work and demonstrated creativity.
Kim Won-yang, CEO of Ilyo Shinmun, stated, "Most events by Ilyo Shinmun and Bizhankook aim to discover and foster budding talent. The Korean Art Support Project also aims to discover and promote talented artists in the field," adding, "Many artists who have gone through the project have grown into notable figures in the art world. I hope this exhibition serves as a platform for artists to grow further and reach a wider audience."
Works by artists with diverse techniques and genres caught the eyes of visitors, including Chae Jeong-wan, who sublimates reality into black humor; Han Ah-reum, who captures the utopia of trivial beings; Heo Chan, who expresses cartoonish imagination; and Lee Mi-hee, who translates memories of travel into delicate paintings.
Artist Lee Mi-hee said, "I capture terrains where time has accumulated, such as mountains or islands, in my work. I paint every seed, flower, and leaf contained within the mountain, and I represented the light that permeated during the day with Swarovski crystals. The title is 'Memory of That Day,' which I cherished while traveling," adding, "This exhibition has been stimulating because it includes not only artists I have exhibited with before but also artists with unique abilities who can do work I cannot."
Artist Han Ah-reum shared, "I expressed a green fantasy land where tropical plants and winter migratory birds coexist. I find interest in harmoniously expressing contrasting images and continue my creative activities," adding, "The white animals in this work are all endangered protected species, and the repeatedly appearing plant is a Monstera with split or torn leaves. Monsteras tear their own leaves to ensure the lower leaves receive sunlight. I painted a world where small, precious beings meet thoughtful consideration and become complete."
About 300 people, including participating artists and visitors, attended the opening ceremony. Experts such as art critics Shin Hang-seop and Kim Jong-geun also graced the event. A visitor in their 20s, surnamed Lee, said, "I was able to see works with diverse artistic styles in one place. I became interested in the art world and started studying art, and I received great inspiration." Another visitor in their 80s, surnamed Jo, added, "I was amazed by the dedication shown in painting even the branches and leaves delicately on such a large work. I even felt touched by seeing the eyes of a sparrow in another painting."
The 2026 Korean Art Support Project Exhibition will be held at the 1st-floor main exhibition hall of the Insa Art Center until the 16th. It is open to the public for free from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.