In a celebration of contemporary Korean art, installation artist Yang Jung-uk has been named the winner of the prestigious Korea Artist Prize 2024, awarded by the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul (MMCA). The announcement marks a significant milestone in Yang’s career, earning him an additional ₩10 million ($7,000 US) prize on top of the ₩50 million ($35,000 US) finalist grant.

Yang’s victory emerged from a competitive field of four distinguished finalists, including multimedia artists Hayoun Kwon, Jane Jin Kaisen, and Jiyoung Yoon. The selection committee particularly praised Yang’s masterful ability to merge technological innovation with profound human narratives.

MMCA Director Kim Sunghee elaborated on the decision: “Yang renders the most human of worlds by combining exceedingly simple and ordinary images of life with beautiful dreamscapes. His work speaks to both the individual and collective experience in our modern society.”

Based in Seoul, Yang Jung-uk has established himself as a powerful voice in contemporary art through his distinctive approach to installation and kinetic sculpture. His work critically examines the human condition within today’s standardized society, creating immersive experiences that challenge viewers’ perceptions of everyday life.

The Korea Artist Prize, established in 2012 through a partnership between MMCA and the SBS Foundation, has become a cornerstone of Korea’s contemporary art scene. The award’s unique two-tier selection process begins with choosing four artists who each receive ₩50 million ($35,000 US) to create new works for an MMCA exhibition. The final winner is then selected based on these exhibition pieces, making it both a recognition of past achievement and an investment in future creativity.

Art enthusiasts and collectors can experience Yang’s award-winning work, alongside installations by the other finalists, at the Korea Artist Prize 2024 Exhibition. The showcase runs through March 23 at the MMCA Seoul, offering visitors a comprehensive view of contemporary Korean art’s cutting edge.