Image courtesy of Mina Cheon Studio (Photo by Cyrus Feldman)
May 3 - September 2, 2021|
The global art activist Mina Cheon draws inspiration from the partition of the Korean peninsula, exemplified by her parallel body of work created under her North Korean alter ego, Kim Il Soon, in which she enlists a range of mediums including painting, sculpture, video, installation, and performance to deconstruct and reconcile the fraught history and ongoing coexistence between North and South Korea. Her solo exhibition at The Korea Society, presented during the height of #stopasianhate movement and continuing tensions on Korean peninsula, showcases her most recent painting series of Unification Flags.
Tapping into her stream of unconsciousness to promote a future of unity and peace, Mina Cheon's paintings of the Korean peninsula recalls past interKorean efforts including the Olympics, athletic teamwork, Arirang Mass Games, and other public events that celebrated “One Korea.” Submerged in the custom-made IKB (Yves Klein blue) paint and incorporating the cosmopolitan expression of protest art style using stencil and spray, each Unification Flag painting is a symbolic new figuration, a body that parades in a procession for peace.
Mina Cheon is a new media artist, scholar, educator, and activist best known for her “Polipop” paintings inspired by Pop art and Social Realism. She has exhibited internationally, including at the Asia Society Triennial (2021); Busan Biennale (2018); Baltimore Museum of Art (2018); American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center, Washington, DC (2014); Sungkok Art Museum, Seoul (2012); and Insa Art Space, Seoul (2005). Her work is in the collections of the Baltimore Museum of Art; Smith College Museum of Art, Northampton; and Seoul Museum of Art, Seoul. Cheon received a BFA in painting from Ewha Womans University; an MFA in painting from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and an MFA in imaging and digital art from UMBC: An Honors University in Maryland; and a PhD in philosophy of media and communications at the European Graduate School, Saas-Fee, Switzerland. She is currently a Full-time Professor at MICA.
Due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), our gallery is open only by appointment. The appointment must be made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled visit. To make an appointment, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. All visitors will be required to wear a mask as well as complete the safety questionnaire upon arrival.
Mina Cheon
Dreaming Unification/Protest Peace
May 3 - September 2, 2021
@ The Korea Society
350 Madison Avenue, 24th Floor, NYC
Gallery hours: (M-F) 10 AM - 4:30 PM by appointment
*From August 2-September 2, Monday-Thursday 10 AM - 4:30 PM*
**Pre-registration is now required for all Korea Society events, and an ID is required for security.**
For more information, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (212) 759-7525.
