The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) proudly presents Tertium Quid, a new exhibition featuring unconventional sculpture, installation, and painting works by three Korean emerging artists originally selected as a curated group during the KCCDC’s 2020 Open Call for Artists, on view August 6 – September 27.

The title of the exhibition, Tertium Quid, refers to an unidentified third thing which ironically is identified through two distinct or opposite things that are definite or known. Through their creative practice, these three artists explore the concept of a surface itself as an indicator, container, or the essence of something that exists in between, further suggesting surface as a visibly transparent yet ambiguous entity. This concept functions physically and conceptually as a vehicle to manifest contrasting notions or dualities such as abstract and figurative, interior and exterior, and existence and non-existence—thereby investigating the tertium quid that are neither one nor the other.

Hae Won Sohn researches the inherited and acquired characteristics of artifacts and their individuality, in relation to the system and construction of traditional hand-made ceramics. She presents an innovative form of sculpture and installation by reconstructing segments of ceramic prototypes that are intentionally or naturally derived from the standardized ceramic manufacturing process.

Jaejoon Jang forges a visual narrative by transforming natural or man-made daily objects through careful arrangement. The deconstructed and combined collective pieces reflect various moments of people and society and create a implied dialogue with the artist’s unique perspective.

Yoory Jung reinterprets the process of making Cheongja (청자), Korean traditional celadon, into contemporary abstract painting based on her own identity. Employing minimalistic composition and the calmness of monochrome, Jung captures the detailed textures and colors of Celadon’s glazed surface, exploring its subtle changes and inherent nature.

This exhibition aims to provide an opportunity to share the passion and fresh perspective of experimental and norm-challenging young Korean artists. The KCCDC strives to continue actively supporting the creativity of talented Korean artists in the contemporary art world.

Tertium Quid will remain on view August 6 through September 27, 2021 (walk-in hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., excluding 12 – 1 p.m., Monday – Friday). The virtual guided tour, offering an inside look at each artist’s creative themes, processes, and inspirations, will release on Friday, August 6 at 6p.m. on the KCCDC YouTube and Instagram channels (@KoreaCultureDC).

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