Art enthusiasts fill every available space during the opening party of the previous Hechyeomoyeo, held at KOTE in central Seoul, June 16.Courtesy of Jon Dunbar
The Hechyeomoyeo, a dynamic exhibition series showcasing both Korean and international artists, is making its seventh major appearance, this time in the southeastern coastal city of Busan. "I’m not sure what will happen in Busan, but that’s exactly why we’re doing it," said Neil Wheelock Deforest Smith, founder of The Hechyeomoyeo, in an interview with The Korea Times. "We’ve had artists sending us artwork from Busan since our third exhibition. It made sense to bring the project here so that local artists could experience it firsthand. We hope this will help expand our creative community."
The Hechyeomoyeo, which translates to "assemble" in military terms, invites artists from diverse backgrounds to participate. The exhibitions are known for their quantity and variety, offering a sensory overload of artwork all at once. The last event, held at KOTE in Insa-dong during June and July, featured over 250 artists, along with musicians and fashion show participants.
"Hechyeomoyeo has essentially become a platform that can be set up in different locations to showcase artists’ work," Smith explained. Earlier this year, Smith took The Hechyeomoyeo abroad, hosting the fifth exhibition in Thailand. "When we held the Bangkok exhibition, many Korean artists were thrilled to send their work to another country," he noted. While Busan is closer than Thailand, the logistics remain complex.
"It’s a lot of work!" Smith admitted. "We’re coordinating with artists to ship their artworks simultaneously. There will be a major shipment coming from Southeast Asia, alongside a truck transporting works from Seoul directly to Busan. Additionally, artists from various locations are handling their shipments."
The exhibition will take place at Aither, an art gallery located just a short distance from Busan Station. "Aither gallery is so cool," Smith said. "It resembles a house from a Resident Evil game, with multiple rooms, wood-finished walls, turquoise bathroom tiles, and an elongated kitchen space that has an abandoned vibe. We plan to cover every inch with artwork. The gallery staff is incredibly supportive of our mission to cultivate a larger creative community."
Smith also mentioned the assistance they are receiving from Naughty Muse Studio in Busan. "They are helping set up a residency for a Hechyeomoyeo artist from Seoul and are allowing us to use their equipment and space for creating art," he said.
Smith himself is relatively new to Busan, "I visited once for about 36 hours to check out the gallery and meet some people," he shared. "So I don’t know much yet. I plan to explore the local scene while I’m there and invite gallery owners and artists to see the exhibition."
As with previous Hechyeomoyeo events, there will be various activities throughout the exhibition. The Liquid Arts Network will host poetry readings, and live music performances will feature artists like John Given and Fat Hamster & Kang New. "We’re still open to suggestions for creative performances," Smith added.
In addition to the Busan exhibition, Smith is also organizing other upcoming events under The Hechyeomoyeo banner. During the Block Party festival in Haebangchon and Gyeongnidan, Seoul, on September 21 and 22, there will be a mini-Hechyeomoyeo exhibition showcasing art at participating venues.
"I admire the hard work Jamie (Finn) puts into organizing Block Party," Smith remarked. "The project embodies the spirit of Hechyeomoyeo by bringing together artists dedicated to fostering independent culture. We’re excited to be part of Block Party, as it will connect our community with the local music scene and bands."
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Art enthusiasts fill every available space during the opening party of the previous Hechyeomoyeo, held at KOTE in central Seoul, June 16.Courtesy of Jon Dunbar
The Hechyeomoyeo, a dynamic exhibition series showcasing both Korean and international artists, is making its seventh major appearance, this time in the southeastern coastal city of Busan. "I’m not sure what will happen in Busan, but that’s exactly why we’re doing it," said Neil Wheelock Deforest Smith, founder of The Hechyeomoyeo, in an interview with The Korea Times. "We’ve had artists sending us artwork from Busan since our third exhibition. It made sense to bring the project here so that local artists could experience it firsthand. We hope this will help expand our creative community."
The Hechyeomoyeo, which translates to "assemble" in military terms, invites artists from diverse backgrounds to participate. The exhibitions are known for their quantity and variety, offering a sensory overload of artwork all at once. The last event, held at KOTE in Insa-dong during June and July, featured over 250 artists, along with musicians and fashion show participants.
"Hechyeomoyeo has essentially become a platform that can be set up in different locations to showcase artists’ work," Smith explained. Earlier this year, Smith took The Hechyeomoyeo abroad, hosting the fifth exhibition in Thailand. "When we held the Bangkok exhibition, many Korean artists were thrilled to send their work to another country," he noted. While Busan is closer than Thailand, the logistics remain complex.
"It’s a lot of work!" Smith admitted. "We’re coordinating with artists to ship their artworks simultaneously. There will be a major shipment coming from Southeast Asia, alongside a truck transporting works from Seoul directly to Busan. Additionally, artists from various locations are handling their shipments."
The exhibition will take place at Aither, an art gallery located just a short distance from Busan Station. "Aither gallery is so cool," Smith said. "It resembles a house from a Resident Evil game, with multiple rooms, wood-finished walls, turquoise bathroom tiles, and an elongated kitchen space that has an abandoned vibe. We plan to cover every inch with artwork. The gallery staff is incredibly supportive of our mission to cultivate a larger creative community."
Smith also mentioned the assistance they are receiving from Naughty Muse Studio in Busan. "They are helping set up a residency for a Hechyeomoyeo artist from Seoul and are allowing us to use their equipment and space for creating art," he said.
Smith himself is relatively new to Busan, "I visited once for about 36 hours to check out the gallery and meet some people," he shared. "So I don’t know much yet. I plan to explore the local scene while I’m there and invite gallery owners and artists to see the exhibition."
As with previous Hechyeomoyeo events, there will be various activities throughout the exhibition. The Liquid Arts Network will host poetry readings, and live music performances will feature artists like John Given and Fat Hamster & Kang New. "We’re still open to suggestions for creative performances," Smith added.
In addition to the Busan exhibition, Smith is also organizing other upcoming events under The Hechyeomoyeo banner. During the Block Party festival in Haebangchon and Gyeongnidan, Seoul, on September 21 and 22, there will be a mini-Hechyeomoyeo exhibition showcasing art at participating venues.
"I admire the hard work Jamie (Finn) puts into organizing Block Party," Smith remarked. "The project embodies the spirit of Hechyeomoyeo by bringing together artists dedicated to fostering independent culture. We’re excited to be part of Block Party, as it will connect our community with the local music scene and bands."
