By Honorary Reporter Foteini Chatzoudi from Greece
Photos = Yoon Hojun

Yoon Hojun is a ceramic artist based in Seoul who says he uses his works to revive interest in traditional ceramics. 

His art has been displayed at many exhibitions like those in Korea, Korea House in Paris and Marunuma Art Park in Asaka, Japan. The tiny human figure in his ceramics, celadon, and buncheong (traditional stoneware) pieces tell stories and combine traditional techniques with his unique voice.

The following are excerpts from an email interview with Yoon conducted from July 7 to Aug. 3 on his inspirations and paying tribute to Korean ceramic tradition.

What are the themes of your ceramic pieces?
I draw inspiration from traditional relics of Korean ceramics and create works under the theme "Indulging in Ceramics." I aim to transform these pieces from static museum artifacts into living and joyful expressions that resonate today.

On the left is "Blue and White Porcelain Jar with an Escaped Tiger and a Magpie on It" and on the right is "Blue Painted White Porcelain with an Escaping Dragon Jar."

Explain the meaning behind the tiny human in your ceramic works.
The character Ah who often appears in my works symbolizes my younger, curious self and my embrace of traditional ceramic relics. Representing my connection to ceramics, Ah engages with each piece in different ways for varied perspectives on how tradition can be experienced and reimagined.

How important is preserving Korean cultural identity through your art?
Korea has one of the longest histories in ceramics, second only to China. While Korean ceramics first began by imitating Chinese wares, it eventually developed its own identity. Goryeo celadon, for instance, was so refined that it was prized even in China.

But interest in ceramics has declined in recent times. Through my work, I hope to encourage people to revisit and appreciate the beauty and value of our traditional ceramics. I believe it meaningful if my work inspires greater cultural pride and supports the continued preservation and evolution of our heritage.

Ah is a character who frequently appears in Yoon's work.

What are the biggest challenges you face in your work?
Every new piece presents a challenge, especially when turning two-dimensional images into three-dimensional form. It's hard to preserve the essence of the original while creatively transforming it, and the result can easily stray from the intended feel. I rarely achieve my initial vision on the first try and often revise multiple times. When the clay isn't in ideal condition, even small adjustments can lead to cracks or breaks. So I'm often faced with the choice of continuing or starting over, and more often than not, I choose to revise, making every piece a challenge.

"The Monkey Watchman and Pomegranate Thief Ah'' (left) and "Celadon Thurible with Escaping Rabbit"

What are your plans or upcoming exhibitions?
I usually participate in group exhibitions two to three times a year if an opportunity to showcase my work arises. Later this year, I will join a group exhibition at Incheon International Airport and I'm preparing for a solo exhibition in November in the Samcheong-dong neighborhood of Seoul featuring buncheong works.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.