Seoul, b. unknown

The picture frame's glass, which ought to be transparent, and its curved frame—the unsettling undulation of that unfamiliar surface—create a 'gap' in the air. As a result, a 'beside' space is immediately formed between the artwork and me. An opportunity arises for us to be fitted together, much like puzzle pieces. Instinctively, we send a fragment of our 'raw' sensibility through that gap, and are quickly seized by the tickle and urgency of wanting to touch and hold the work, prompting us to boldly step closer and move our bodies around in all directions to appreciate it. The works of Wonjoo Park placed before us always have the appearance of being tenderly caressed. To achieve this, the artist bends glass at high temperatures in her studio, breaks wooden pieces into fragments only to reassemble them, and handles cast iron. She wishes to downplay and minimize the mention of the hardship involved in the process of wearing down these raw, rough edges. This particular preference, in return, grants Park Wonjoo's work its unique expression. The artwork, solely in order to approach us softly, appears as if much has already been resolved and reconciled, or it embodies the will for such resolution. - Hayoon Kim