TERRA III

Group exhibition: Burgundy, France

By Terra Exhibition, presented by Apsara Studio & Hautes Côtes, curated by

Jenn Ellis & Emie Diamond

I am deeply honoured that my etching ‘The Joining of Two’ is part of this year’s TERRA exhibition, now in its third edition. TERRA is the first monumental contemporary art exhibition bringing together leading international artists and galleries in the heart of Burgundy’s UNESCO World Heritage vineyards. The exhibition unearths dialogues between contemporary art, heritage, and winemaking.

‘The Joining of Two’ reflects my personal journey, from being born in South Korea, adopted and raised in Norway, to living and working in the United Kingdom as an adult. The title signifies the merging of different identities and cultures, expressed through layered techniques and materials.

Grounded in the ancient craft of etching yet imbued with a spirit of innovation, the work incorporates hand-painted Korean paper as its foundation. Upon it, the word mother is written in abstracted Hangul, forming the backbone of the composition. The motif of mother refers simultaneously to my biological and adoptive mothers, and Mother Earth herself.

Through this synthesis, the work explores belonging, origin, and connection, unearthing layers of memory and meaning much like a palimpsest. It is both a personal and universal meditation on how our roots, histories, and environments intertwine to shape who we become.