Yoo Hwa-soo wins 23rd SongEun Art Award

Korean artist Yoo Hwa-soo has won the 23rd SongEun Art Award for his installation work, “Gesture of Cultivation,” which was shown at the 23rd edition of the SongEun Art Award Exhibition, the SongEun Art and Cultural Foundation announced Friday.

A group exhibition at the SongEun Art Space in Gangnam-gu, southern Seoul, showcases artworks by 20 artists shortlisted for the foundation's annual award. A total of 512 artists applied for the 23rd edition of the award.

Born in 1979, Yoo explores how ever-evolving technology has affected society in terms of human labor, as well as the relationship between humans and technology.

“Gesture of Cultivation” suggests that humans are becoming desensitized following technological development.

The award includes 20 million won ($15,000) in prize money and a solo exhibition at SongEun Art Space within two years of winning. The winner’s two works will be purchased and collected by the SongEun Art and Cultural Foundation and the Seoul Museum of Art.

The 23rd SongEun Art Award Exhibition runs through Feb. 24.