Jiwoong Yoon
윤지웅Artist

Life as one work

Jiwoong Yoon with David Hockney, 1996
The night I met David Hockney,
I decided to become an artist.1996

Works

An ongoing archive
2027

Selfless

Selfless is a revisit of the 1996 Subjectless series, developed as a second version under the name New Zen Series. Through modern, simple, minimal, and sometimes abstract forms, the project explores different ways of expressing Buddhist teachings and the wider wisdom of human life.

2026–

AIR²

AIR² is an evolving AI artist identity born from rAWrAW Project and directed by Jiwoong Yoon. Through music and moving images, it reinterprets Buddhist thought and meditation in a contemporary language. Human intuition and artificial intelligence meet in an ongoing exploration of identity, authorship, and life as one artwork.

AIR²
2022–2026

JustBe

At JustBe Temple Hongdae, art, meditation, community, and everyday life became a shared practice. As CEO and lay sangha leader, Yoon approached the space, relationships, and daily interactions as a living artwork.

2021

NFT ERA

An exploration of digital value and moving images in 2021. Moiré patterns became a medium for questioning what appears real when different visual systems overlap.

2020

15,000th Day of Life

The second anniversary project joined 24 patterns derived from Euljiro photographs with a 15,000-bows performance. A month of bowing culminated in the final 100 bows before an audience on his 15,000th day of life.

15,000th Day of Life — project documentation 115,000th Day of Life — project documentation 215,000th Day of Life — project documentation 315,000th Day of Life — project documentation 415,000th Day of Life — project documentation 515,000th Day of Life — project documentation 615,000th Day of Life — project documentation 715,000th Day of Life — project documentation 815,000th Day of Life — project documentation 915,000th Day of Life — project documentation 1015,000th Day of Life — project documentation 1115,000th Day of Life — project documentation 1215,000th Day of Life — project documentation 1315,000th Day of Life — project documentation 1415,000th Day of Life — project documentation 1515,000th Day of Life — project documentation 16
2019

Disfiguring Lines

Portraits became adaptable image modules that could be layered and reproduced across different scales. Distorted faces and calligraphic lines explored the spaces between drawing and painting, abstraction and representation.

Disfiguring Lines — project documentation 1Disfiguring Lines — project documentation 2Disfiguring Lines — project documentation 3Disfiguring Lines — project documentation 4Disfiguring Lines — project documentation 5Disfiguring Lines — project documentation 6Disfiguring Lines — project documentation 7Disfiguring Lines — project documentation 8Disfiguring Lines — project documentation 9Disfiguring Lines — project documentation 10Disfiguring Lines — project documentation 11Disfiguring Lines — project documentation 12
2019

G's Instagram Show

An exhibition of 108 photographs across three floors connected Instagram with physical space. Childhood images, studio moments, and daily observations reflected on identity, desire, and the Buddhist metaphor of 108 karmas.

G's Instagram Show — project documentation 1G's Instagram Show — project documentation 2G's Instagram Show — project documentation 3G's Instagram Show — project documentation 4G's Instagram Show — project documentation 5G's Instagram Show — project documentation 6G's Instagram Show — project documentation 7G's Instagram Show — project documentation 8G's Instagram Show — project documentation 9G's Instagram Show — project documentation 10G's Instagram Show — project documentation 11G's Instagram Show — project documentation 12G's Instagram Show — project documentation 13G's Instagram Show — project documentation 14G's Instagram Show — project documentation 15G's Instagram Show — project documentation 16G's Instagram Show — project documentation 17G's Instagram Show — project documentation 18
2018

Art Bakery

Inspired by the bread in his parents’ long-running bakery, Yoon created a photography and design series. The project brought the practices of a bakery and a gallery together.

Art Bakery — project documentation 1Art Bakery — project documentation 2Art Bakery — project documentation 3Art Bakery — project documentation 4Art Bakery — project documentation 5Art Bakery — project documentation 6Art Bakery — project documentation 7Art Bakery — project documentation 8
2016

Subjectless

An art retreat transformed an exhibition hall into a temporary temple and working studio. Paintings, calligraphic marks, meditation, movement, and Dharma drumming explored the Buddhist idea of selflessness.

Subjectless — project documentation 1Subjectless — project documentation 2Subjectless — project documentation 3Subjectless — project documentation 4Subjectless — project documentation 5Subjectless — project documentation 6Subjectless — project documentation 7Subjectless — project documentation 8Subjectless — project documentation 9Subjectless — project documentation 10Subjectless — project documentation 11Subjectless — project documentation 12Subjectless — project documentation 13Subjectless — project documentation 14Subjectless — project documentation 15Subjectless — project documentation 16Subjectless — project documentation 17Subjectless — project documentation 18
2014

A E OO #2

A multimedia Facebook environment brought painting, photography, design, and performance into physical space. Visitors participated through live comments, tags, and shared posts.

A E OO #2 — project documentation 1A E OO #2 — project documentation 2A E OO #2 — project documentation 3A E OO #2 — project documentation 4A E OO #2 — project documentation 5A E OO #2 — project documentation 6A E OO #2 — project documentation 7A E OO #2 — project documentation 8A E OO #2 — project documentation 9A E OO #2 — project documentation 10A E OO #2 — project documentation 11A E OO #2 — project documentation 12A E OO #2 — project documentation 13A E OO #2 — project documentation 14A E OO #2 — project documentation 15A E OO #2 — project documentation 16A E OO #2 — project documentation 17
2014

Korean National Flag

A series of works reinterpreting the Korean national flag, presented at Zagmachi Space in 2014.

Korean National Flag — project documentation 1Korean National Flag — project documentation 2Korean National Flag — project documentation 3Korean National Flag — project documentation 4Korean National Flag — project documentation 5Korean National Flag — project documentation 6Korean National Flag — project documentation 7Korean National Flag — project documentation 8Korean National Flag — project documentation 9Korean National Flag — project documentation 10
2014

Sewol Show

Sewol Show, presented in Gwanghwamun Square in 2014.

Sewol Show — project documentation 1Sewol Show — project documentation 2Sewol Show — project documentation 3Sewol Show — project documentation 4Sewol Show — project documentation 5Sewol Show — project documentation 6Sewol Show — project documentation 7Sewol Show — project documentation 8Sewol Show — project documentation 9Sewol Show — project documentation 10Sewol Show — project documentation 11Sewol Show — project documentation 12
2013

STOP / THINK

A moving billboard carried the words STOP / THINK through Seoul and Berlin. Conversations with passersby invited a pause in the cycle of consumption and an opening for reflection.

STOP / THINK — project documentation 1STOP / THINK — project documentation 2STOP / THINK — project documentation 3STOP / THINK — project documentation 4STOP / THINK — project documentation 5STOP / THINK — project documentation 6STOP / THINK — project documentation 7STOP / THINK — project documentation 8STOP / THINK — project documentation 9STOP / THINK — project documentation 10STOP / THINK — project documentation 11STOP / THINK — project documentation 12
2012

G’s Art Party

A DJ set and improvised dance performance for LG Optimus G, on a stage filled with paintings of the letter G. Audience members who performed their own G dance received a painting.

G’s Art Party — project documentation 1G’s Art Party — project documentation 2G’s Art Party — project documentation 3G’s Art Party — project documentation 4G’s Art Party — project documentation 5G’s Art Party — project documentation 6G’s Art Party — project documentation 7G’s Art Party — project documentation 8G’s Art Party — project documentation 9G’s Art Party — project documentation 10G’s Art Party — project documentation 11G’s Art Party — project documentation 12G’s Art Party — project documentation 13G’s Art Party — project documentation 14G’s Art Party — project documentation 15G’s Art Party — project documentation 16G’s Art Party — project documentation 17G’s Art Party — project documentation 18G’s Art Party — project documentation 19G’s Art Party — project documentation 20
2012

Minimal Abstract

Painting, dance, and DJing explored the same theme in a Hongdae club where Yoon had spent many nights dancing in his twenties.

Minimal Abstract — project documentation 1Minimal Abstract — project documentation 2Minimal Abstract — project documentation 3Minimal Abstract — project documentation 4Minimal Abstract — project documentation 5Minimal Abstract — project documentation 6Minimal Abstract — project documentation 7Minimal Abstract — project documentation 8Minimal Abstract — project documentation 9Minimal Abstract — project documentation 10Minimal Abstract — project documentation 11Minimal Abstract — project documentation 12Minimal Abstract — project documentation 13Minimal Abstract — project documentation 14Minimal Abstract — project documentation 15Minimal Abstract — project documentation 16Minimal Abstract — project documentation 17
2012–2014

Platoon Kunsthalle

Two years as curator, artist, and DJ at Platoon Kunsthalle Seoul brought together exhibitions, open studios, street performances, and music. Organizing a cultural space became part of the artistic practice.

Platoon Kunsthalle — project documentation 1Platoon Kunsthalle — project documentation 2Platoon Kunsthalle — project documentation 3Platoon Kunsthalle — project documentation 4Platoon Kunsthalle — project documentation 5Platoon Kunsthalle — project documentation 6Platoon Kunsthalle — project documentation 7Platoon Kunsthalle — project documentation 8Platoon Kunsthalle — project documentation 9Platoon Kunsthalle — project documentation 10
2010

Studio: 1995–2010

Yoon relocated his studio into a gallery and worked there throughout the exhibition. A chronological arrangement of earlier works invited visitors to encounter the evolution of his life as a single artwork.

Studio: 1995–2010 — project documentation 1Studio: 1995–2010 — project documentation 2Studio: 1995–2010 — project documentation 3Studio: 1995–2010 — project documentation 4Studio: 1995–2010 — project documentation 5Studio: 1995–2010 — project documentation 6Studio: 1995–2010 — project documentation 7Studio: 1995–2010 — project documentation 8Studio: 1995–2010 — project documentation 9Studio: 1995–2010 — project documentation 10Studio: 1995–2010 — project documentation 11
2010–2011

Haein Art Project

As director and curator, Yoon lived at Haeinsa for two years while developing a meeting of contemporary art and Buddhism. The project marked the 1,000th anniversary of the Tripitaka Koreana through exhibitions and performances.

Haein Art Project — project documentation 1Haein Art Project — project documentation 2Haein Art Project — project documentation 3Haein Art Project — project documentation 4Haein Art Project — project documentation 5Haein Art Project — project documentation 6Haein Art Project — project documentation 7Haein Art Project — project documentation 8Haein Art Project — project documentation 9Haein Art Project — project documentation 10Haein Art Project — project documentation 11Haein Art Project — project documentation 12Haein Art Project — project documentation 13Haein Art Project — project documentation 14Haein Art Project — project documentation 15Haein Art Project — project documentation 16Haein Art Project — project documentation 17Haein Art Project — project documentation 18Haein Art Project — project documentation 19Haein Art Project — project documentation 20
2007

10,000th Day Celebration

To mark his 10,000th day of life, Yoon turned his home into a 24-hour installation, gathered his previous works into portfolio books, and sent them with letters of gratitude. The occasion began rAWrAW projects.

10,000th Day Celebration — project documentation 110,000th Day Celebration — project documentation 210,000th Day Celebration — project documentation 310,000th Day Celebration — project documentation 410,000th Day Celebration — project documentation 510,000th Day Celebration — project documentation 610,000th Day Celebration — project documentation 710,000th Day Celebration — project documentation 810,000th Day Celebration — project documentation 910,000th Day Celebration — project documentation 1010,000th Day Celebration — project documentation 11
2007

rAWrAW gallery in NYC

A mobile gallery operated for three months in New York. Beginning outside Chelsea galleries, the project moved into streets, parks, and public spaces where art was less often encountered.

rAWrAW gallery in NYC — project documentation 1rAWrAW gallery in NYC — project documentation 2rAWrAW gallery in NYC — project documentation 3rAWrAW gallery in NYC — project documentation 4rAWrAW gallery in NYC — project documentation 5rAWrAW gallery in NYC — project documentation 6rAWrAW gallery in NYC — project documentation 7rAWrAW gallery in NYC — project documentation 8rAWrAW gallery in NYC — project documentation 9rAWrAW gallery in NYC — project documentation 10rAWrAW gallery in NYC — project documentation 11
2005–2007

Painting as Sculpture

Fascinated by the plastic materiality of acrylic paint, Yoon explored the boundary between painting and sculpture. Paint could exist over, under, between, or away from the canvas.

Painting as Sculpture — project documentation 1Painting as Sculpture — project documentation 2Painting as Sculpture — project documentation 3Painting as Sculpture — project documentation 4Painting as Sculpture — project documentation 5Painting as Sculpture — project documentation 6Painting as Sculpture — project documentation 7Painting as Sculpture — project documentation 8Painting as Sculpture — project documentation 9Painting as Sculpture — project documentation 10Painting as Sculpture — project documentation 11Painting as Sculpture — project documentation 12Painting as Sculpture — project documentation 13Painting as Sculpture — project documentation 14Painting as Sculpture — project documentation 15Painting as Sculpture — project documentation 16
2001

Florence Street Painting

After losing his bank card during an exchange semester in Florence, Yoon began painting near the Duomo to cover his living expenses. Oil paintings on canvas questioned the darker sides of Renaissance imagery and religion.

Florence Street Painting — project documentation 1Florence Street Painting — project documentation 2Florence Street Painting — project documentation 3Florence Street Painting — project documentation 4
2001–2005

Paintings

A selection of paintings made between 2001 and 2005.

Paintings — project documentation 1Paintings — project documentation 2Paintings — project documentation 3Paintings — project documentation 4Paintings — project documentation 5Paintings — project documentation 6Paintings — project documentation 7Paintings — project documentation 8Paintings — project documentation 9Paintings — project documentation 10Paintings — project documentation 11Paintings — project documentation 12Paintings — project documentation 13Paintings — project documentation 14Paintings — project documentation 15Paintings — project documentation 16Paintings — project documentation 17Paintings — project documentation 18Paintings — project documentation 19
2000

Metamorphosisohpromatem

A 90-minute solo performance and painting exhibition at Theatre Zero in Hongdae. The transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly became a metaphor for breaking inherited artistic frames.

Metamorphosisohpromatem — project documentation 1Metamorphosisohpromatem — project documentation 2Metamorphosisohpromatem — project documentation 3Metamorphosisohpromatem — project documentation 4Metamorphosisohpromatem — project documentation 5Metamorphosisohpromatem — project documentation 6Metamorphosisohpromatem — project documentation 7Metamorphosisohpromatem — project documentation 8Metamorphosisohpromatem — project documentation 9Metamorphosisohpromatem — project documentation 10Metamorphosisohpromatem — project documentation 11Metamorphosisohpromatem — project documentation 12Metamorphosisohpromatem — project documentation 13Metamorphosisohpromatem — project documentation 14Metamorphosisohpromatem — project documentation 15Metamorphosisohpromatem — project documentation 16Metamorphosisohpromatem — project documentation 17Metamorphosisohpromatem — project documentation 18Metamorphosisohpromatem — project documentation 19
1999–2001

Freshman-Sophomore

Works from the first two years of college, recording an early period of artistic study and experimentation.

Freshman-Sophomore — project documentation 1Freshman-Sophomore — project documentation 2Freshman-Sophomore — project documentation 3Freshman-Sophomore — project documentation 4Freshman-Sophomore — project documentation 5Freshman-Sophomore — project documentation 6Freshman-Sophomore — project documentation 7
1996

Meeting Hockney

A visit by David Hockney to his school in Australia became a turning point. That evening, looking through Hockney’s books, Yoon decided to become an artist.

Meeting Hockney — project documentation 1
1996–1999

High School

Drawing became a way of finding presence while studying abroad. These early works trace his school years in Australia and later at Berkshire School in Massachusetts.

High School — project documentation 1High School — project documentation 2High School — project documentation 3High School — project documentation 4High School — project documentation 5High School — project documentation 6High School — project documentation 7High School — project documentation 8High School — project documentation 9High School — project documentation 10High School — project documentation 11High School — project documentation 12High School — project documentation 13High School — project documentation 14High School — project documentation 15High School — project documentation 16High School — project documentation 17High School — project documentation 18High School — project documentation 19High School — project documentation 20

Bio

Portrait of Jiwoong Yoon
Born 1979, Seoul
Lives and works in Seoul, Korea

Jiwoong Yoon is a contemporary artist whose practice centers on painting while extending into spatial interventions, meditation-based actions, movement, and long-term process-oriented projects. Rather than settling into a single medium or formal language, Yoon has consistently explored how art operates within specific places, situations, and lived contexts. His major projects have ranged from mobile and site-responsive exhibitions in urban environments to contemplative practices situated in natural and spiritual settings, as well as ongoing community-based and durational works. Across these projects, the artwork is not confined to an object or exhibition format, but unfolds through presence, action, and time.

At the core of Yoon’s practice is the philosophy of treating an entire life as a work in progress. Painting, drawing, meditation, writing, spatial composition, and everyday discipline exist on the same continuum, forming a sustained artistic inquiry rather than discrete outcomes. For Yoon, art is not merely something to be viewed, but a mode of perception and a method of aligning life itself. His projects resist completion, favoring continuity over resolution, and invite viewers to encounter art as an active condition—one that is shaped by participation, awareness, and the passage of time. Yoon’s work remains open, evolving, and inseparable from the life that generates it.