The Hanwha Foundation of Culture is making history this week by opening Space ZeroOne, a groundbreaking non-profit exhibition space in New York's prestigious Tribeca neighborhood. The venue represents the first exhibition space in New York directly operated by a Korean business-run cultural foundation, marking a significant milestone in Korean cultural expansion into the American art scene.
Located in one of New York City's most vibrant cultural districts, Space ZeroOne is designed to serve as a global platform and launchpad for emerging Korean artists looking to establish themselves in the international art world. The foundation announced on Tuesday that the space will focus on promoting Korean contemporary art while fostering cross-cultural dialogue between Korean and American artistic communities.
The inaugural exhibition, titled "Contours of Zero," officially opens on Friday and will run through December 20. This debut show features more than 20 works by eight rising Korean artists who explore the fascinating intersection of technology, materiality, and cultural identity. The participating artists include Beak Jung-ki, Yoo Ji-young, and Kim Ji-hee, all of whom are alumni of Hanwha's prestigious YoungMin Overseas Residency Program. The exhibition also showcases works by Park Jung-hae, Seo Jeen-ho, Song Min Jung, Oh Kai, and Hong Khia.
The exhibition takes its creative inspiration from the gallery's name "ZeroOne," offering a unique philosophical interpretation of these fundamental concepts. According to the foundation's press release, the curators interpret "Zero" not as a symbol of absence or emptiness, but rather as representing latent potential waiting to be unleashed. Meanwhile, "One" symbolizes the realization and manifestation of that dormant potential. Through an impressive array of paintings, sculptures, and immersive installations, the featured artists reflect on diverse aspects of contemporary Korean society while visualizing the dynamic meeting point between advancing technology and evolving culture.
Adding an innovative dimension to the space, the mezzanine level will feature a special installation by artist Hong Seung-hye, who will transform the area into a geometry-driven "Mezzanine Lounge." This unique space functions as an inhabitable artwork that invites visitors to explore the compelling concept of literally living within art, blurring the boundaries between artistic expression and functional design.
Lee Sungsoo, chairman of the Hanwha Foundation of Culture, expressed his enthusiasm about the project's potential impact on the New York contemporary art scene. "Space ZeroOne will become a meaningful milestone that solidifies the foundation's presence in New York's contemporary art scene," Lee stated. He further explained the symbolic significance of the space's name, noting, "The fusion of Zero and One symbolizes our wish for artists' creative journeys to continue forever, and it reflects Space ZeroOne's commitment to supporting them along the way."
The opening of Space ZeroOne represents a strategic investment in cultural diplomacy and artistic exchange, positioning the Hanwha Foundation as a major player in promoting Korean contemporary art on the global stage. The Tribeca location places the gallery at the heart of New York's art world, providing Korean artists with unprecedented access to international collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts who frequent this culturally rich neighborhood.
