The Hanwha Foundation of Culture is set to open ‘Space ZeroOne,’ a new nonprofit contemporary art space located in Tribeca, the cultural and artistic hub of New York City.
 
Expanding the foundation’s long-standing commitment to cultural exchange and artist patronage into the heart of New York, the new venue will become a base for global artistic collaboration and a gateway for emerging Korean artists to enter the international art world.

Opening on November 7, Space ZeroOne’s inaugural exhibition, 《Contours of Zero: Emerging Korean Artists in New York》, will present around 20 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and installations, by eight emerging Korean artists who explore the intersections of technology, materiality, and cultural identity — reflecting diverse aspects of contemporary society.
 
Participating artists include Jungki Beak, Jiyoung Yoo, and Jihee Kim — alumni of Hanwha’s Youngmin International Artist Residency Program — as well as Junghae Park, Jeenho Seo, Minjung Song, Kai Oh, and Khia Hong. The official opening event will also feature key figures from New York’s art community.
 
The exhibition takes its cue from the meaning behind the venue’s name, ZeroOne. The concept of “zero” often refers to emptiness, but here, “Zero” represents latent potential; it is the very ground from which new forms and connections emerge. On the other hand, “One” symbolizes the realization of that potential.
 
The combination of the Korean word “zero” (yeong) and the English word “one” forms “yeongwon,” meaning “eternity” in Korean, symbolizing the artists’ ongoing creative journeys and the Foundation’s enduring commitment to supporting them.

In addition, the mezzanine level will showcase artist Hong Seung-Hye’s ‘mezzanine’ installation, which transforms the space into a geometric, abstract lounge exploring art that can be used and inhabited. This experimental installation questions the functional role of art while expanding Space ZeroOne’s spatial identity.
 
“Space ZeroOne will serve as a meaningful milestone in establishing the foundation’s presence in New York’s contemporary art scene,” said Sungsoo Lee, Chairman of the Hanwha Foundation of Culture. “The union of ‘Zero’ and ‘One’ symbolizes our wish for artists’ creative journeys to continue endlessly and embodies Space ZeroOne’s commitment to walking alongside them on that path.”
 
As Korean contemporary art and culture continue to attract international attention, the opening of this new exhibition space in New York is expected to showcase Korea’s dynamic creative ecosystem to a global audience and further strengthen cross-cultural networks.

References

• 한화문화재단 보도자료 (Hanwha Foundation of Culture Press Release)