Woo Jin Joo's Shamanic Creatures from London Junk to Debut at Ruup & Form
Based in London, Woo Jin Joo, a Korean-Chinese artist, transforms discarded materials and embroidery into enchanting beings, drawing inspiration from Korean folklore and shamanism. After relocating to the UK 12 years ago for studies at Central Saint Martins and the Royal Academy, she delved into her cultural identity. In 2021, she stitched Daoist longevity symbols onto an Ikea bag, merging themes of transformation and myth. Influenced by the dokkaebi concept, she integrates found objects into her sculptures. Her debut solo exhibition, 'Bodily Inbetweenness', is showcased at Ruup & Form gallery during Shoreditch Design Week, featuring 5ft-tall figures. One work, 'I Hear Things Existing With Me', received acclaim at the Collect Craft Fair in February, with another exhibition scheduled at the Harley Foundation later this year.
Key facts
- Woo Jin Joo is a Korean-Chinese artist based in London.
- Her work is inspired by Korean shamanism and folklore, particularly the concept of dokkaebi.
- She uses a freehand embroidery machine and found objects from London.
- In 2021, she embroidered the 10 Daoist symbols of longevity onto an old Ikea bag.
- She studied at Central Saint Martins and the Royal Academy in London.
- Her first solo show 'Bodily Inbetweenness' opens at Ruup & Form gallery during Shoreditch Design Week.
- Her piece 'I Hear Things Existing With Me' was a standout at Collect Craft Fair in February.
- TF Chan, director of Collect, praised her work for embodying contemporary craft values.
- She has another show planned at the Harley Foundation in Nottinghamshire later this year.
Entities
Artists
- Woo Jin Joo
Institutions
- Central Saint Martins
- Royal Academy
- Ruup & Form
- Collect Craft Fair
- Harley Foundation
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Korea
- Nottinghamshire