By Mary Smith
New York City, a vibrant melting pot of cultures, is constantly enriched by the diverse artistic expressions that find a home within its bustling streets. Among the organizations contributing to this cultural tapestry is the Korean Association of New York Artists (KANA), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Korean creatives and fostering cross-cultural exchange. KANA‘s mission is Lina Haelin Hwang, a curator and arts manager whose passion for Korean art and her dedication to building bridges between cultures is shaping the organization’s future.
Originally from Seoul, South Korea, Hwang brings a unique mix of academic rigor and practical experience to her role as Project Management Team Manager and Curator at KANA. Her educational background, encompassing a BFA and MFA in Sculpture, along with a double major in Art History from Ewha Womans University, provided a solid base for her curatorial endeavors.
Further honing her skills, she has earned an MA in Arts and Cultural Management from the Pratt Institute in New York, equipping her with the skills necessary to navigate the complex world of art administration and curation.
Founded in 2012, KANA’s mission is clear: to support Korean artists, designers, and creative entrepreneurs based in New York City and contribute to the city’s diverse cultural landscape. Through the exhibitions, talks, pop-up events, and collaborative programs, KANA provides a platform for Korean creatives to showcase their work and connect with a wider audience.
As Hwang explains, “As Project Manager and Head Curator, I primarily lead the planning and execution of exhibitions and art-related events. I work to connect more New York-based Korean artists to KANA and to create more engaging platforms where more artists can find meaningful opportunities.”
Hwang’s role extends far beyond simply organizing events; she strategically crafts exhibitions and artist talks with the goal of strengthening KANA’s presence within the New York art scene and providing dynamic opportunities for Korean and Korean-American artists. Her strong commitment to fostering cross-cultural dialogue is evident in her curatorial approach, which seeks to engage diverse audiences and promote understanding through art.
So, why is Korean art particularly compelling and vital in a city like New York City? Hwang offers a compelling perspective: “It’s precisely because New York is so culturally diverse that Korean art feels necessary. Korea has already captivated global audiences through K-pop and K-drama, and now Korean contemporary art offers another new powerful and unique cultural expression.” She references Director Bong Joon-ho’s famous quote, “The most Korean is the most universal,” clarifying that it’s not about cultural superiority, but about the power of sharing deeply Korean narratives to invite diverse audiences to experience new artistic forms. “In a city like New York City, where countless cultures converge, Korean art enriches the ecosystem by offering authenticity, fresh perspectives, and many new emotional landscapes,” she emphasizes.
Hwang’s curatorial projects vividly demonstrate her commitment to these principles. One such example is “Binary Equilibrium,” a group exhibition featuring eight artists paired together to explore the profound meanings of life throughout their personal experiences and inner worlds. The exhibition delved into how artists grapple with existential questions, choosing hope and seeking significance even amidst uncertainty. Hwang explains, “Each artist approached life’s complexities from a different angle, allowing viewers to glimpse diverse interpretations of personal and philosophical equilibrium. Through the contrasts and connections within each pair, the exhibition emphasized resilience, individuality, and the continuous search for meaning amidst uncertainty.”
The creative process of selecting artists and their works for “Binary Equilibrium” was a carefully considered endeavor. Hwang sought after artists who could form meaningful pairings, each contributing unique perspectives that either complemented or challenged one another. “I engaged in conversations with each artist to find the connections between their practices and explored how their works could interact conceptually and emotionally,” she explains. The objective here was to create dialogues between the artworks, prompting deeper reflections on personal experiences and existential themes.
Another notable exhibition curated by Hwang is “Unbound Playground,” which presented the works of six artists whose creations stemmed from everyday experiences, memories, and emotions, expressed through playful visual languages. The exhibition reconstructed fleeting moments of daily life using vibrant colors, diverse materials, and whimsical interpretations. What made “Unbound Playground” a success? Hwang attributes it to the exhibition’s focus on “the healing power of art in everyday life.” Inspired by Alain de Botton’s “Art as Therapy,” Hwang seeked to create an exhibition that could bring joy and emotional connection through art. “I personally selected artists whose practices resonated with this idea, resulting in a show that felt both lighthearted and deeply meaningful,” she notes.
Looking forward, KANA is positioned for further growth and expansion under Hwang’s guidance. The organization plans to continue organizing exhibitions and cultural events while expanding horizons with diverse partners to create larger and more impactful programs. “As Head Curator, I aim to strengthen KANA’s art initiatives by curating more exhibitions and supporting artists more visibly,” Hwang states with determination. She underlines the steady increase in KANA’s exhibitions, art fair participations, and cultural projects since her arrival, emphasizing her goal to “further expand KANA’s influence within the New York art scene and create more meaningful opportunities for emerging Korean artists through exhibitions, talks, and cross-disciplinary collaborations.”
Lina Haelin Hwang’s dedication to promoting Korean art and fostering cross-cultural dialogue is not just only enriching the New York art scene but also creating a pivotal medium for Korean artists to thrive. Through her curatorial vision and her commitment to KANA’s mission, she is playing a crucial role in molding the future of Korean art in the city and beyond. Her unwavering passion and strategic approach promise to continue conveying the voices of Korean creatives and foster a deeper appreciation for Korean culture within the global art community.
