Posted by: Lauren Barnes  |  Posted on: May 15th, 2026

Introduction

The primary objective of the exhibition ‘Cycles of Return’ was to introduce the profound aesthetic and philosophical depth of contemporary Korean art to the UK audience in Portsmouth. Curated by Vera Hadzhiyska, the project showcased the works of two emerging Korean artists, Juno Seunghui Joo and Sion Kim, focusing on the universal themes of mortality, memory, and cultural rituals.

The project involved a multi-sensory installation at Art Space Portsmouth (20–30 November 2025), featuring photography, spatial works using traditional Hanji, and an integrated Artist Talk to facilitate direct cultural exchange.

BKS Grant Support

The BKS grant was a cornerstone of this project, specifically supporting the logistics and production costs necessary to bring these two artists to a UK-based gallery. It funded the high-quality production of Juno’s cinematic photography and the material costs for Sion’s intricate Hanji and pigment installations, ensuring the exhibition met professional international standards.

Exhibition & Installation

• • Juno Seunghui Joo: Reinterpreted Korean funeral rituals and folklore through the ‘What a death made us do’ series.
  • Sion Kim: Created spatial works inspired by Sumaksae (traditional roof tiles) using Dakji, Sunji, and Hampji, incorporating scent and texture.

Public Engagement (Supported by BKS Grant)

The grant allowed us to host a public Artist Talk (23 November), which was a highlight of the program. It provided a platform for the artists to explain Korean traditions (like the symbolism of Hanji and Korean mourning rituals) to a local audience, fostering deeper cross-cultural understanding. ○ Curatorial tours were provided to deepen visitor engagement with the specific Korean cultural contexts embedded in the artworks.

Summary of Achievements

The exhibition ‘Cycles of Return’ served as a significant cultural milestone in Portsmouth, achieving the following milestones:

• • Public Engagement: Over the 8-day period, the exhibition welcomed 118 visitors, a remarkable turnout for a specialized contemporary art showcase in the region.
  •  Educational Outreach: Conducted dedicated curatorial tours for BA Photography students at the University of Portsmouth, integrating the exhibition into the local academic curriculum. The Artist Talk successfully engaged a diverse group of local artists and university students, fostering a professional dialogue on Korean materiality and storytelling.
  • Academic and research-led interest was high, with multiple visits from University academics and researchers.
  • Extended Visibility: A digital slideshow of the artists’ work was featured on the large screen at the Eldon Building (University of Portsmouth), significantly increasing the project’s visibility beyond the gallery walls.
  • Community Dialogue on Mortality: The exhibition was exceptionally well-received as an introduction to Korean culture. It went beyond aesthetics, sparking profound conversations about cultural practices of mourning, grief, and the perception of death.
  • Audience Participation: A dedicated space for visitor participation allowed the audience to share their personal thoughts and experiences with grief, creating a safe, communal space for cross-cultural emotional exchange. 

    

  Grants