SHIM MOON-SEUP

b.1943, Tongyeong, Korea

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Shim Moon-Seup (b.1943), the pioneer of modern sculpture in Korea, utilizes ‘nature’ and ‘temporality’ as the core element of his works and continuously strives to pursue the quest for how to perceive and express his themes with the infinite possibilities of arts beyond the standardized genres and media. Being recognized overseas as well, he received France Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Grade Chevalier) in 2007 and the Excellence Award from the 2nd Henry Moore Grand Prize Exhibition in 1981.

He has had solo exhibitions in major venues including Gyeongnam Art Museum, Korea (2023); Yuan Art Museum, Beijing (2018); National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA), Korea (2017); Palais Royal, Paris (2007); Fondazione Mudima, Milano (2001) and Tokyo Gallery, Tokyo (1999).

His work has also been featured in international biennials and group exhibitions, such as Tail of Tiger: ’95 Venice Korea Contemporary Art 15 People Exhibition, Venice Biennale, Venice (1995); the 1st Seoul Olympics International Sculpture Symposium, Seoul Olympics Sculpture Park, Seoul (1987); the 13th Sao Paulo Biennial (1975) and the Biennale de Paris (1971, 1973, and 1975). His works are included in the collections of major art institutions, such as the MMCA, Korea; Seoul Museum of Art, Korea; Leeum Museum of Art, Seoul; Hakone Sculpture Park, Japan and FNAC, Paris.

The artist participated in the recent group exhibition, Only the Young: Experimental Art in Korea, 1960s-1970s, held at National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) in Seoul, Korea in 2023. The exhibition travelled to  Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York and is currently on view until January 2024.