The Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles (KCCLA), under the direction of Lee Haedon, recently concluded a groundbreaking exhibition in partnership with the Korea Arts Foundation of America (KAFA). The special exhibition, titled "The 19th Korea Arts Foundation of America Award Recipient Exhibition: A Motionless Movie," ran from October 23 through November 14, 2025, showcasing the innovative work of award recipient Heehyun Choi.
KAFA, a Los Angeles-based non-profit public benefit organization, is dedicated to promoting creativity, research, and exhibitions in the arts. The foundation provided funding and support for this exhibition alongside the Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles, demonstrating the collaborative effort to advance Korean artistic expression in the United States.
The exhibition "A Motionless Movie" featured a compelling collection of four video works and new embroidery pieces created by Choi. The centerpiece of the show was an essay film also titled "A Motionless Movie," which drew inspiration from a fascinating historical source - an article with the same name (움직이지않는영화) that was published in a Korean newspaper during the 1920s. The film took a unique approach by imagining the perspective of women who would have been reading that newspaper at the time, following the traces of American actress Clara Bow, who was referenced in the original article.
Heehyun Choi, the featured artist, has established herself as a significant figure in both Korean and American art scenes. She has built her reputation through the creation of experimental films that primarily utilize analog formats, including 16mm and Super 8mm film. Her distinctive body of work explores the fundamental essence and historical context of film and video media, bridging traditional techniques with contemporary artistic expression.
The exhibition's opening reception proved to be a remarkable success, drawing more than 80 influential figures from the art world. Notable attendees included the artist Heehyun Choi herself, curators from the prestigious Hammer Museum, and representatives from the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts). This strong turnout highlighted the significant interest in Korean contemporary art within the Los Angeles cultural community.
The exhibition concluded with an equally successful closing event on November 13, where KAFA and GYOPO co-hosted a Video Screening and Talk program. This special program received considerable attention from attendees and further emphasized the importance of dialogue between Korean and American artistic communities. The event provided an opportunity for deeper engagement with Choi's work and the broader themes explored in her art.
Looking toward the future, KCCLA has announced plans to continue strengthening its cultural exchange programs. The center aims to introduce more artists whose work exists at the intersection of Korean and American artistic experiences, thereby promoting the diversity and experimental spirit of Korean art within the local art community. This ongoing commitment reflects the center's mission to serve as a bridge between Korean culture and American audiences, fostering greater understanding and appreciation for contemporary Korean artistic expression.
