Founder Sook Nyu Lee Kim Alumni Invitational Grant Exhibition – Ran Hwang: Breathwave
FEBRUARY 15 – MARCH 8, 2024
Opening Reception: Thursday, February 15, 2024 5-7 PM
AHL Foundation
2605 Frederick Douglass Blvd., #C1, New York, NY 10030
Catalog (Download)
Buttons, beads, and Buddhism: How Ran Hwang’s large-scale work invites New Yorkers to reflect and connect
Morgan Everhart
Ran Hwang’s artistic fusion of birds and Buddhism serves as a powerful tool for self- reflection and spiritual exploration, particularly in the bustling city of New York. Through her intricate installations composed of thousands of buttons, beads, and pins, Hwang invites viewers to contemplate their own identities amidst the fast-paced urban environment. Her art becomes a conduit for introspection, prompting individuals to question their place in the world and their connection to others. In the midst of New York’s diverse cultural landscape, Hwang’s artwork serves as a reminder that spirituality can be found even in the most chaotic spaces. As individuals walk around the expansive installation, they not only witness Hwang’s artistic vision but also embark on a symbolic journey that echoes age-old practices. This engagement bridges temporal and spiritual realms, providing a unique pathway to comprehend the essence of Buddhism through contemporary art. Despite showcasing her work internationally, Hwang believes that her artwork resonates with viewers regardless of their nationality. She observes that the people of New York, in particular, carry deep wounds from the 9/11 attacks that have significantly influenced her artistic journey. Nonetheless, she believes that the universal subjects of transience, cyclical life, and healing appeal to individuals universally. Ran Hwang is a Korean-born, New York-based artist who creates large, recognizable figures that delve into the cyclical nature of life, invisibility, and the beauty of fleeting moments. Drawing from her background in the fashion industry and personal memories of the 9/11 attacks, she incorporates everyday materials into her delicate and dramatic artworks. Hwang’s practice of Zen Buddhism infuses her craftsmanship, highlighting repetition and atonement. Through her performative and conceptual approaches, she contemplates the introspective essence of human existence in society. Overall, Ran Hwang’s artwork explores themes of life, death, connectivity, and the ephemeral nature of existence. Her installations are visually stunning and thought-provoking, inviting viewers to contemplate the complexities of human relationships and the impact of their actions. Hwang’s works have garnered international acclaim and continue to engage and inspire audiences worldwide. Hwang’s artwork can be found in prestigious institutions such as the Brooklyn Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, the Deji Art Museum in Nanjing, and the Dubai Opera House, among others. Hwang’s association with the AHL Foundation dates back to 2004, when she became the inaugural recipient of the AHL Foundation Grant. Since then, she has consistently participated in annual gala events and considers it a privilege to inaugurate an exhibition at the AHL Foundation. The AHL Foundation, established in 2003 by Sook Nyu Lee Kim, is a nonprofit arts organization. Its mission is to support artists of Korean heritage working in the United States, providing them with resources, exposure, and platforms to cultivate their talents. Additionally, the foundation hosts educational and cultural events to raise awareness of contemporary Korean-American artists.
Morgan Everhart works in painting, installation, curation, and writing. Everhart’s practice challenges naturalism and ontology through reflection on personal experiences, identity, and art history. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of North Texas, and her Master of Fine Arts from the LeRoy E. Hoffberger School of Painting at the Maryland Institute College of Art. Everhart currently lives and works in New York, where she is also a co-founder of Art Hap, advisor to the Brooklyn Emerging Artist Coalition, and contributing writer to A Women’s Thing publication.
Ran Hwang’s Growing Breathwave: 20 Years with the AHL Foundation
Soojung Hyun
The journey of artist Ran Hwang over the past twenty years can be compared to that of a tree, possessing a steadfast and resilient quality, consistently maturing and developing. Like a tree firmly rooted in the earth, she has drawn strength from her surroundings, thriving despite all the challenges and opportunities that have come her way. Ran Hwang’s artistic career has grown progressively, reflecting unwavering confidence and commitment to overcoming obstacles. Her profession primarily operates within the contemporary art scene in the United States, Asia, and Europe. The favorable reviews about her and the recognition in the art world are a grateful reward given to her. When I look at her accomplishments, she serves as one of the examples of the aspirations and achievements of Korean-American artists. Her story prompts contemplation not only of her artistic evolution but also of her generous contribution to the art world. Ran Hwang arrived in New York in 1997, in her mid-thirties, and pursued studies at the School of Visual Arts. In the early 2000s, she faced significant challenges as an international student, requiring her to work for a living while advancing her artistic career. It was during this period that she underwent a profound life experience, deeply affected by the disaster of September 11th, 2001, which occurred near her workplace. These experiences began manifesting in her work as she grappled with themes of life’s uncertainty, mortality, the visible and the invisible. Infusing her work with visual metaphors, she translated these existential thoughts into artistic expressions, embracing the heartbreak of this era with an Asian sensibility. Drawing inspiration from her background in fashion, she employed materials such as buttons, pins, and thread, imbuing her creations with a unique blend of aesthetics and narrative depth. Amidst the uncertainties of this transformative period, Ran Hwang seized a pivotal opportunity by participating in the AHL Foundation’s inaugural Contemporary Visual Arts Competition in 2004. Her selection as the Gold Prize winner marked the beginning of a long-standing partnership between the artist and the Foundation, paving the way for her subsequent artistic endeavors. Reflecting on this crucial moment, we recall the AHL Foundation’s growing presence in the New York art scene, which was a new non-profit foundation established in 2003. The AHL Foundation was emerging as a beacon of support for Korean artists navigating the challenges of the American art world, the Foundation provided a vital platform for Korean-American artists, fostering mutual support and artistic growth. This effort was exemplified through initiatives like the “Eight Korean Artists” exhibition, held at White Box from July 7th to July 21st, 2005, which showcased the exceptional talents of award-winning artists and garnered acclaim from both Korean and New York art communities. The exhibition included the participation of eight award winners in 2004 and 2005, further establishing its significance in a record of the Archive of Korean Artists in America (AKAA). Ran Hwang received the “AHL-Jason J. Kim Grant” award from the AHL Foundation in 2017 for the second time. The award provides exhibition funds to Korean artists exhibiting at museums. This award was given to the artist when Hwang was establishing herself as an international artist and, once again, encouraged her artistic path. The AHL Foundation offered appropriate support to the artist who valued her capabilities. Just like the sap of a maple tree, when winter passes and new spring shoots grow, sap rises from the tree’s roots and provides nutrients for growth, as the Foundation nurtured artists. At the 2023 AHL Foundation 20th Anniversary Ceremony, Ran Hwang was honored with the inaugural AHL-Founder Sook Nyu Lee Kim Grant Exhibition award. From February 15th to March 8th, 2024, the AHL Foundation held Ran Hwang’s solo exhibition titled “Breathwave” as a commemoration of her recognition. This award aims to continue the tradition by providing funding to assist ongoing collaboration and support among award-winning artists. Hwang, the first recipient of the AHL Foundation award, has made steady progress on her artistic journey. Over the last two decades, the AHL Foundation and Ran Hwang have embarked on parallel paths, mutually supporting and collaborating with each other along the way. Hwang has actively engaged with the AHL Foundation and contributed to the Ran Hwang AKAA Fund in 2022, which is her commitment to giving back to the artistic community. Believing in the transformative power of art to inspire and uplift individuals, Hwang wholeheartedly embraces the core mission of the AHL Foundation. Hwang’s dedication to this mission has not only helped to raise awareness of the Foundation’s work but has also inspired a new generation of artists to pursue their passions. As such, Hwang’s continued support is a positive extension for the development of the organization. The exhibition, “Breathwave,” encapsulates the artist’s creative pursuits through her distinctive wall installation work, crafted with meticulous attention to detail. The exhibition features an impressive portrayal of symbolic birds, created by inserting pins intricately into the gallery walls and interweaving them with vibrant threads. The hybrid creatures combine the imagery of the American eagle and Korea’s phoenix, symbolizing the inherent dignity of life. Despite appearing to be ensnared in a net, these majestic creatures spread their large wings to capture the power of flight. The artist explained that the overarching theme of the work is ‘Confinement and Freedom.’ This contrasting juxtaposition of the human condition represents the perpetual struggle of individuals as they navigate personal limitations in their quest for liberation and self-realization. At its core, “Breathwave” is an ode to vitality and resilience. It is a testament to the indomitable human will to overcome life’s obstacles and forge a path toward personal growth and fulfillment. Through her evocative imagery and symbolism, Ran Hwang leads viewers to contemplate the essence of existence and the profound interconnectedness of living beings. ‘Breathing’ is a genuinely personal and yet inherently communal act. In the bustling metropolis of New York, individuals from all walks of life come together, each contributing their unique breath to the collective rhythm of the city. Just as Hwang draws inspiration from her fellow artists’ shared breath, so does she contribute her breath to the vibrant interaction of New York’s artistic landscape, enriching the community with her unique perspective and creative vision.
Soojung Hyun has pursued parallel careers as a curator, program organizer, and lecturer. Common to all of these activities has been an interest in the inevitable transformation of national and cultural identities in an increasingly global world. She has taught Asian Art and Art in Non-Western Societies at Montclair State University, New York City College of Technology, and Manhattanville College as an adjunct and contributed to the Archive of Korean Artists in America (AKAA) in the AHL foundation.
