In association with the Korea-Australia Arts Foundation (KAAF), the Korean Cultural Centre (KCC) Australia will hold a new exhibition, NEW BEGINNING from 27 November until 29 January 2021 at its gallery in Sydney.

The annual Art Prize organised by the KAAF has been suspended this year in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of continuing the annual competition for 2020, the KAAF will take time to reflect on the works of artists who have previously participated in the art prize through this interim group show.

Showcasing 26 works of selected past art prize winners and finalists which include, among many others, the 2018 winner Claire Tozer who muses on the enduring nature of the Australian wilderness, the 2017 winner Craig Handley, a Sydney artist who transcend genres and blurs the lines between realism and surrealism, and Hyun-hee Lee, an Australian-Korean artist whose work incorporates Korean traditional calligraphy, the exhibition aims to not only represent the unique artistic world of participating artists but also celebrate the outstanding works which have been part of the eight year history of the Art Prize.

Also, audiences can witness how the artists have approached these challenging times through their own creative processes hoping to inspire new ways of thinking, seeing and living through this challenging time.

Hoim Lee, president of the KAAF, said, “Although the COVID-19 situation did not allow us to hold our Art Prize as usual, it is anticipated that this exhibition will be a fascinating opportunity to see new works created through new perspectives pertaining to these challenging times. 

I really hope that this show is going to be a new turning point for artists who have had a tough time, just like the theme of the exhibition, 'New Beginning’.”

Sojeong Park, director of the KCC, said, "Since the launch of the KAAF Art Prize back in 2013, the KCC has shared the entire history of the event, which represents the exchange of art between Korea and Australia, and I am pleased to cooperate again this year as a venue partner for this interim group exhibition.

While the arts sector is suffering from unprecedented pandemic, I hope this event will be an opportunity for local artists to gain exposure and recognition.”
As a venue partner, the KCC has been working with the KAAF over the course of its 8-year history in supporting multiculturalism in Australia.

NEW BEGINNING, the KAAF Interim Group Exhibition

• Dates: 27 November 2020 – 29 January 2021 (Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm with a special opening on Saturday 12 December & 16 January)
• Venue: Korean Cultural Centre gallery (Ground Fl, 255 Elizabeth St. Sydney NSW 2000)
• Entry: Free
• Website: www.koreanculture.org.au/exhibition
• Artists: Ann Arora, Barbara Goldin, Caroline Zilinsky, Claire Tozer, Colleen Stapleton, Craig Handley, Ethne Benn, Fiona Dobrijevich, Geoff Harvey, Guy Morgan, Hoim Lee, Hyun-Hee Lee, Jaedon Shin, Jenny Orchard, Keesik Chung, Maryanne Wick, Min-Woo Bang, Misim Song, Nahomi Yoshizawa, Paul Miller, Peta Hinton, Robert Bennetts, Steve Salo, Susanna Chen Chow, Tim Allen, Yvonne Boag