Story of a Thousand Years: Master of Goryeo Celadon

Master Se-Yong Kim & Dr. Dohun Kim


On view: August 10th - 31st, 2023
Venue: Gallery Korea, Korean Cultural Center New York

Opening Reception: August 10th, 6 pm - 8 pm


Presented by Gallery Korea at the Korean Cultural Center New York

In commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the ROK-U.S. Alliance, we are proud to host a special ceramics exhibition showcasing the extraordinary works of renowned artist Master Se-Yong Kim, who carries on the tradition of Goryeo Celadon with his son, Dr. Dohun Kim.

At the age of 77, Master Se-Yong Kim continues to actively create remarkable artworks that have gained international recognition, earning a place in esteemed  collections such as those of the Dalai Lama and the late Queen Elizabeth II. This exhibition features over 50 pieces, granting visitors to witness the pinnacle of skill and innovative techniques employed by the master in the realm of Goryeo Celadon.

One of the highlights of this exhibition is the largest Celadon vase ever created, standing at an impressive height of 42 inches. This monumental piece took over a decade to complete, and its display provides a profound and meaningful experience for all who visit. 

Join us in celebrating the rich heritage of Korean Goryeo Celadon and the mastery of Master Se-Yong Kim and Dr. Dohun Kim, as we delve into the "Story of a Thousand Years."


ABOUT THE ARTIST

Se-Yong Kim (b.1946)

Se-Yong Kim, born in 1946, is a renowned ceramic artist who resides and works in Icheon, Korea. He completed the Master Course of Ceramic at Myoungji University in 1999 and served as a Professor of Ceramic Art at Chungkang College of Cultural & Industries until around 2000. In 2002, he was honored as a Korean Master Hand of Ceramic, designated as No. 349 by the Ministry of Labor, Korea. Additionally, he is the C.E.O. of Sechang Artistic Ceramic Institute.

For the past 50 years, Se-Yong Kim has dedicated his life to the art of ceramics. Earth has been his constant companion, and his deep connection with it is undeniable. With every touch, he brings the earth to life, infusing it with his spirit and heart. From the outset of his pottery career, he set three ambitious goals: to create the most beautiful colored celadon porcelain, to craft the finest celadon porcelain, and to produce the largest celadon porcelain. He chose the challenging and time-consuming path of openwork to achieve these goals.

After four decades of unwavering dedication, Se-Yong Kim believes he has come closer to realizing his aspirations. Now, he wishes to showcase and share the fruits of his painstaking efforts with those whom he deeply cares for. Through his works, he aims to illuminate the world with the vibrant light of life found in the earth, a passion that has driven him throughout his youth.


Dohun Kim (b. 1978)

Dr. Dohun Kim is the son of renowned Korean master potter Se-Yong Kim, who is widely recognized as a prominent figure in the field. He is the second-generation successor and holds a doctorate in ceramic materials engineering. Dr. Dohun Kim inherited the expertise of his father, who is known for his mastery of the dual-layered inlay technique in Goryeo celadon, and studied alongside him for over 10 years. He possesses experience as a curator and director in international symposiums and has engaged in the integration of 3D printing technology with ceramics. Collaborating with individuals such as Bogum Park, Joongki Song, and Zion T, he has produced notable works.

Furthermore, Dr. Dohun Kim has plans to establish a traditional Korean pottery workshop in Boston, USA, and intends to continue his research and development of ceramic products for the future health of children. He aims to introduce Korean traditional Goryeo celadon to the United States and has a research plan in place to explore its excellence. He has conducted special lectures on Korean traditional pottery at the Boston MIT Ceramic Studio and delivered lectures on Korean traditional pottery and creative DNA at Silicon Valley's KOTRA. His works have been showcased in the documentary "From Earth to Light" and featured in the video introduction of Korean pottery at the Korean Cultural Center LA.


This exhibition is presented by the Korean Cultural Center New York to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the ROK-U.S. Alliance.