Jung Yong Chaing in his studio

In the Seoul studio, 2019

About

Jung Yong Chaing (b. 1945, Busan, South Korea) has spent six decades exploring the relationship between material and meaning in sculpture.

His work draws from both Eastern philosophy and the physical reality of stone, bronze, and steel. Each piece begins with extended observation—sometimes months—before the first mark is made.

"I don't impose form on material. I listen until the form reveals itself."

He trained at Seoul National University before studying classical technique in Carrara, Italy, where he first encountered the marble that would become central to his practice. On returning to Korea in 1975, he established the studio where he continues to work today.

Selected History

1945Born in Busan, South Korea
1967Graduated Seoul National University, Department of Sculpture
1968–72Studied marble carving in Carrara, Italy
1975Established studio in Seoul
1982First solo exhibition, National Museum of Modern Art, Seoul
1990Commissioned for Olympic Sculpture Park, Seoul
1998Retrospective exhibition, Leeum Samsung Museum of Art
2005Artist of the Year, Korean Culture Award
2012Major installation, Tate Modern, London
2020Continues work in Seoul studio

Public Collections

National Museum of Modern Art, Seoul

Leeum Samsung Museum of Art

Tate Modern, London

Guggenheim Museum, New York

Centre Pompidou, Paris

National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne

M+, Hong Kong

Mori Art Museum, Tokyo

Olympic Sculpture Park, Seoul