Hoyoon Shin

Hoyoon Shin (b. 1975, Seoul)  is a Korean artist recognized for his intricate and profound sculptures exploring the relationship between materiality and spirituality. Utilizing diverse materials such as paper, metal, and plastic, Hoyoon reinterprets iconic figures from both Eastern and Western traditions, ranging from the Guanyin to Michelangelo's David. His works are defined by contrasts—light and shadow, solid and void, softness and hardness—reflecting deep philosophical inquiries rooted in Taoism and the essence of human experience.

Hoyoon is particularly well-known for his paper installations. By layering thin and lightweight sheets of paper, he explores the boundary between the tangible and intangible, creating unique visual experiences that shift and transform based on the viewer’s perspective and movement. These works invite viewers to reflect on the nature of existence and spirit, transcending material limitations. Through a balance of technical precision and meaningful depth, Hoyoon challenges audiences with both personal and universal questions, opening new possibilities in contemporary art.

Hoyoon’s works have been exhibited internationally, with showcases at Swatch Faces (held alongside the Venice Biennale, Venice, Italy, 2022),  Salon des Beaux-Arts (Paris, France, 2017), Shanghai International Paper Art Festival (Shanghai, China, 2017), Kobe Biennale (Kobe, Japan, 2013). His sculptures are held in collections such as the Seoul Museum of Art and the Gwangju Museum of Art, Korea, the National Gallery Bankok, Thailand, National Art Gallery Sofia, Bulgaria and the Swatch Group, Switzerlands , among others.