Woo Hannah, a contemporary Korean artist, is gaining international acclaim for her unique fabric installations that challenge societal and artistic norms. Her work, which often features elements like gigantic fabric draperies and organ-shaped sculptures, explores themes of age, gender, and the human body, blending reality with fantasy to question what is considered normal or abnormal.
Woo Hannah, a trailblazing Korean artist, has captured the international art scene's attention with her innovative use of fabric to challenge conventional boundaries in art. Her recent win at Frieze Seoul 2023 for her installation 'The Great Ballroom' marks a significant milestone in her career, showcasing her ability to blend artistic expression with profound societal commentary.
Woo Hannah's installation, 'The Great Ballroom,' is a vivid portrayal of the ageing process through the medium of fabric. The installation features large fabric draperies that simulate the pendulous loops of an ageing female body, reflecting Woo's desire to celebrate all stages of life without prejudice. Her work invites viewers to experience the beauty of ageing, using fabric to create a space where youth and old age are equally honored. This piece not only won her the inaugural Artist Award at Frieze Seoul but also set a new standard for how materials can be used to communicate powerful messages about human existence.
Beyond large installations, Woo Hannah explores the human body more intimately through smaller fabric sculptures. These pieces often mimic organs, from the uterus to the hippocampus, and are designed to provoke thought about gender and the visibility of certain body parts. Her work questions societal norms and the boundaries between public and private, normal and abnormal, through these thoughtfully crafted representations. Woo's personal health experiences have deeply influenced her art, leading her to create works that address themes of bodily autonomy and identity.
Recently, Woo has expanded her artistic exploration to include the creation of fantastical organs and body parts. This new direction includes intriguing concepts like a 'memory pouch' and fabric gills, reflecting her whimsical approach to art and her desire to transcend human limitations. These creations not only showcase her technical skill with fabric but also her imaginative reach in envisioning new ways for humans to interact with the world and other species.
Woo Hannah's artistic journey is a compelling example of how contemporary art can transcend traditional mediums and themes to explore deeper societal issues. Through her innovative use of fabric, Woo challenges viewers to reconsider their perceptions of age, gender, and the human body, making her one of the most pioneering figures in the contemporary art scene.
"In my rococo-style ballroom everyone celebrates each other’s youth and their oldness, I don’t want to make any hierarchies between youth and old age." - Woo Hannah