Irene Gong Plants Her Roots in the International Arts Scene
Photo of Irene Gong, courtesy of Talia Rudofsky.
In New York City, international Korean-born curator Irene Gong is gaining attention for her ambitious and dynamic curatorial projects. “I want to share public art that connects art, nature, and urban communities with many people,” says Gong, who recently founded PPULI PROJECT, a curatorial organization specializing in public art projects based in New York and across the globe.
After completing a bachelor's degree in Hotel & Tourism Management at New York University, she returned to Korea during the COVID-19 lockdown and spent a year and a half at an artist residency in Jangheung, where she learned to paint weekly from a Korean contemporary artist, Sara Lee. Later, she held a solo exhibition titled "Nature and Tradition," with works created in traditional Korean hanok architecture in Bukchon Hanok Village.
Gong said that she experienced firsthand the growth and exchange with contemporary artists at the residency, which she credits with her interest in exploring curation as a career path. She says she found a strong connection between her interest in working in “design-centric” spaces like hotels and a potential future in art curation. She then returned to New York and earned a master's in Contemporary Art from Sotheby’s Institute.
Photo of Irene Gong, courtesy of Andre Sorokin.
Gong would later go on to work at several high-profile institutions such as Gladstone Gallery, The Armory Show, Gallery Kendra Jayne Patrick, and Christie’s auction house. Now, however, Gong is working as an independent curator in New York, collaborating with various galleries to organize solo and debut exhibitions, initially focusing on curating for fellow Korean artists.
In May, Gong held a solo exhibition in New York at Space776 Gallery on the Lower East Side with Korean artist Kimin Kim. The exhibition included paintings and a floral arrangement styled after the artist's work. Following this, Gong successfully organized the New York debut exhibition for Korean artist Kejoo Park, who operates between Frankfurt, Germany, and New York. As a finale, she invited Gregory Singer, the founder, composer, and violinist of the Manhattan Symphonie, and his ensemble to perform pieces inspired by the series of artworks. Gong said she received much positive feedback for her leadership in the artist talk session and was most proud of how well-structured and engaging the talk was.
Recently, with a desire to plan independent projects outside galleries and museums, Gong established PPULI PROJECT, an international curatorial organization focused on public art projects in urban environments. Based in New York, PPULI PROJECT was named after the word ‘뿌리’ (root) in Korean, which stands for the foundation of all things and the roots of plants, symbolizing her intention to establish firm roots in the world of public art.
Gong says she has always been interested in the relationship between art and the urban environment, and as such plans to specialize in public art, creating site-specific installations that can only be found in specific local areas. She intends to focus on recruiting international artists whose artistic motif is inspired by nature or whose practice incorporates sustainable materials. Additionally, she plans to strengthen interactions with local organizations and widely promote the need for harmony between people and nature through art.
Kejoo Park, The Song of the Earth series. Courtesy of Talia Rudofsky. (Left) Von der Jugend, 2021, mixed media on canvas, 47.2 x 47.2 in. (Middle) Der Einsame im Herbst 1, 2021, mixed media on canvas, 47.2 x 47.2 in. (Right) Das Trinklied vom Jammer der Erde, 2021, mixed media on canvas, 47.2 x 47.2 in.
Gong is now teaming up once again with Kejoo Park for a traveling public art project called The Earth Project 2, which will tour urban centers in four countries in 2025. This project, which will start in Frankfurt, Germany, is expected to be a major exhibition highlighting the importance of nature, with stops planned in Seoul, New York, and other locations.
Stéphanie Jeanjean, an art historian, curator, translator, and educator based at Sotheby’s and The Cooper Union, recognized Gong’s curatorial skills after visiting Park’s solo exhibition. “Her understanding of space, history, and the artworks is exceptional, and she is truly talented. I am very excited to see her future endeavors,” Jeanjean said.
Kimin Kim, No Leaf Will Be Shaken, 2024. Courtesy of Andre Sorokin.
Gong plans to promote Korean art through exhibitions in New York while also expanding her global focus by working with other international artists through PPULI PROJECT. “We believe that integrating nature, art, and community into urban environments will enhance our lives,” Gong says. “We hope to find harmony and improve the quality of life through our nature-friendly projects.”
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