RAN HWANG

 Ran Hwang's Growing Breathwave: 20 Years with the AHL Foundation

by Soojung Hyun

The journey of artist Hwang Ran over the past twenty years can be compared to that of a tree, possessing a steadfast and resilient quality, consistently maturing and developing. Like a tree firmly rooted in the earth, she has drawn strength from her surroundings, thriving despite all the challenges and opportunities that have come her way. Hwang Ran's artistic career has grown progressively, reflecting unwavering confidence and commitment to overcoming obstacles. Her profession primarily operates within the contemporary art scene in the United States, Asia, and Europe. The favorable reviews about her and the recognition in the art world are a grateful reward given to her. When I look at her accomplishments, she serves as one of the examples of the aspirations and achievements of Korean-American artists. Her story prompts contemplation not only of her artistic evolution but also of her generous contribution to the art world.

Hwang Ran arrived in New York in 1997, in her mid-thirties, and pursued studies at the School of Visual Arts. In the early 2000s, she faced significant challenges as an international student, requiring her to work for a living while advancing her artistic career. It was during this period that she underwent a profound life experience, deeply affected by the disaster of September 11th, 2001, which occurred near her workplace. These experiences began manifesting in her work as she grappled with themes of life's uncertainty, mortality, the visible and the invisible. Infusing her work with visual metaphors, she translated these existential thoughts into artistic expressions, embracing the heartbreak of this era with an Asian sensibility. Drawing inspiration from her background in fashion, she employed materials such as buttons, pins, and thread, imbuing her creations with a unique blend of aesthetics and narrative depth.

Amidst the uncertainties of this transformative period, Hwang Ran seized a pivotal opportunity by participating in the AHL Foundation's inaugural Contemporary Visual Arts Competition in 2004. Her selection as the Gold Prize winner marked the beginning of a long-standing partnership between the artist and the Foundation, paving the way for her subsequent artistic endeavors. Reflecting on this crucial moment, we recall the AHL Foundation's growing presence in the New York art scene, which was a new non-profit foundation established in 2003. The AHL Foundation was emerging as a beacon of support for Korean artists navigating the challenges of the American art world, the Foundation provided a vital platform for Korean-American artists, with half of its board members being artists themselves, fostering mutual support and artistic growth. This effort was exemplified through initiatives like the "Eight Korean Artists" exhibition, held at White Box from July 7th to July 21st, 2005, which showcased the exceptional talents of award-winning artists and garnered acclaim from both Korean and New York art communities. The exhibition included the participation of eight award winners in 2004 and 2005, further establishing its significance in a record of the Archive of Korean Artists in America (AKAA).

Hwang Ran received the "AHL-Jason J. Kim Grant" award from the AHL Foundation in 2017 for the second time. The award provides exhibition funds to Korean artists exhibiting at museums. This award was given to the artist when Hwang was establishing herself as an international artist and, once again, encouraged her artistic path. The AHL Foundation offered appropriate support to the artist who valued her capabilities. Just like the sap of a maple tree, when winter passes and new spring shoots grow, sap rises from the tree's roots and provides nutrients for growth, as the Foundation nurtured artists.

At the 2023 AHL Foundation 20th Anniversary Ceremony, Hwang Ran was honored with the inaugural AHL-Founder S.N. Kim Grant Exhibition award. From February 15th to March 8th, 2024, the AHL Foundation held Hwang Ran's solo exhibition titled "Breathwave" as a commemoration of her recognition. This award aims to continue the tradition by providing funding to assist ongoing collaboration and support among award-winning artists. Hwang, the first recipient of the AHL Foundation award, has made steady progress on her artistic journey.  

Over the last two decades, the AHL Foundation and Hwang Ran have embarked on parallel paths, mutually supporting and collaborating with each other along the way. Hwang has actively engaged with the AHL Foundation and contributed to the Hwang Ran AKAA Fund in 2022, which is her commitment to giving back to the artistic community. Believing in the transformative power of art to inspire and uplift individuals, Hwang wholeheartedly embraces the core mission of the AHL Foundation. Hwang's dedication to this mission has not only helped to raise awareness of the Foundation's work but has also inspired a new generation of artists to pursue their passions. As such, Hwang's continued support is a positive extension for the development of the organization.

The exhibition, “Breathwave,” encapsulates the artist’s creative pursuits through her distinctive wall installation work, crafted with meticulous attention to detail. The exhibition features an impressive portrayal of symbolic birds, created by inserting pins intricately into the gallery walls and interweaving them with vibrant threads. The hybrid creatures combine the imagery of the American eagle and Korea's phoenix, symbolizing the inherent dignity of life. Despite appearing to be ensnared in a net, these majestic creatures spread their large wings to capture the power of flight. The artist explained that the overarching theme of the work is 'Confinement and Freedom.' This contrasting juxtaposition of the human condition represents the perpetual struggle of individuals as they navigate personal limitations in their quest for liberation and self-realization. 

At its core, “Breathwave” is an ode to vitality and resilience. It is a testament to the indomitable human will to overcome life's obstacles and forge a path toward personal growth and fulfillment. Through her evocative imagery and symbolism, Hwang Ran leads viewers to contemplate the essence of existence and the profound interconnectedness of living beings. ‘Breathing’ is a genuinely personal and yet inherently communal act. In the bustling metropolis of New York, individuals from all walks of life come together, each contributing their unique breath to the collective rhythm of the city. Just as Hwang draws inspiration from her fellow artists' shared breath, so does she contribute her breath to the vibrant interaction of New York's artistic landscape, enriching the community with her unique perspective and creative vision.

황란: 호흡의 파장(Breathwave) AHL-Founder Sook Nyu Kim Grant Exhibition

현수정

이른 봄에 새순이 돋고 아름다운 꽃봉오리가 펼쳐질 때, 우리는 그 모습에 감탄한다. 봄을 준비하는 겨울나무를 본 적이 있다. 찬 바람이 매섭게 줄기를 흔들 때도 있고 눈발이 날리는 날에도 나무는 햇살을 향해 환한 미소를 띠며 솜털 사이로 어린 녹색을 담고 있다. 연약한 나무지만 땅에 굳게 뿌리내리고 주변 환경으로부터 힘을 얻으며, 시련과 도전에도 불구하고 번성해 결실을 맺어간다. 2003년에서 설립되어 20년이 넘는 역사를 쌓아온 알재단과 1997년 뉴욕으로 유학을 와서 지금은 미국의 미술관, 중동 두바이, 유럽의 베니스, 한국으로 자신의 작품 세계를 확장하고 있는 황란 작가를 보면 뉴욕 한인 미술사에서 ‘나무의 성장’ 같은 스토리를 읽게 된다.

 AHL 재단 갤러리에서 2024년 2월 15 일부터 3월 8일까지 의미 있는 행사가 열리고 있다. 2023 AHL 재단 창립 20주년 기념식에서 “알재단 창립자 이숙녀 회장상(AHL-Founder Sook Nyu Kim Grant Exhibition)”에 따른 초대전 《황란: 호흡의 파장(Breathwave)》이다. AHL 재단은 미국 미술계에서 성장하고자 하는 한인 예술가들을 위한 지원의 중요한 기둥으로 플랫폼을 제공하여 상호 지원과 예술적 성장을 촉진했다. 황란은 2004년 AHL 재단 창립 후, 처음으로 개최된 “Contemporary Visual Arts Competition”에서 금상을 받았고, 2005년 7월 7일부터 7월 21일까지 첼시 화이트박스 갤러리에서 열린 《8명의 한국 예술가》 전시회에서 트레이드 마크가 된 단추를 이용한 설치 작품을 선보였다. 이 전시회에는 2004년과 2005년의 여덟 명의 수상자가 참여하였으며, 한인 출신 작가로 아이덴티티를 반영하는 독특한 작품은 뉴욕 미술계로부터 주목을 받았다.  

 2004년, 여러 어려움을 겪던  황란에게 금상 수상과 첼시 전시는 마치 연약한 나무가 뿌리를 내리며 성장하기 위한 거름처럼 작가에게 힘이 되었다. 2017년, 황란은 AHL 재단으로부터 두 번째 상인 "AHL-Jason J. Kim Grant"을 받았다. 이 상은 미술관에서 전시하는 한국 예술가에게 전시 자금을 지원하는 것으로, 황란이 국제적 작가로서 자리매김할 때 한 번 더 그녀의 예술적 진로를 격려했다.

 2024년 개인전 《황란:호흡의 파장》은 4마리 새와 붉은 둥지, 검정과 하얀 그물로 구성하여 단 하나의 벽 설치 작품이다. 전시장 벽에 핀을 직접 사용해 단추와 실을 연결해서 만든 부처와 매화 작품이후, 황란의 작품은 기술적으로 벽설치를 용이하게 발전되어 왔지만, 이번 전시를 위해 황란은 초기 방법대로 사다리에 올라가 핀을 박았다. 세세한 부분까지 주의를 기울여 갤러리 벽에 핀을 복잡하게 삽입하고 밝은 오방색 실로 엮어서 만든 상징적인 새 이미지에는 미국 독수리와 한국의 봉황이 결합되어 있다. 새들은 그물에 걸린 것처럼 보이지만, 활짝 펼친 날개와 뚜렷한 눈매에는 강한 힘이 포착되어 있다. 작가는 이 작품의 주제가 '감금과 자유'라고 설명한다. 이러한 인간 조건의 대조적인 병치에는 어려움을 극복하며 개인의 성장과 성취를 향한 불굴의 의지가 상징적으로 표현되어 있다. 또 이는 알재단과 황란, 각자의 길을 걸었지만 서로 지지해 준 동반 성장의 역사를 은유적으로 담고 있는 듯했다.

‘호흡’은 진정으로 개인적이면서도 본질적으로 공동체적 행위이다. 뉴욕 시내의 번화한 도시에서는 다양한 문화적 배경을 가진 사람들이 모여 도시의 집단적 리듬에 각자의 독특한 숨을 불어넣는다. 황란이 이 도시에서 영감을 얻는 것처럼, 그녀는 날숨의 파장을 이 도시에 전하고 있다. 뉴욕의 예술 풍경은 활발한 상호 작용에서 독특한 시각과 창조적인 비전으로 문화적 풍요로움을 만들어낸다. 황란은 AHL 재단으로부터 받은 지원에 보답하기 위해 2022년에 “황란 AKAA 기금”을 시작했다. 마치 여름에 나무가 뿌리를 통해 영양분을 보내는 것처럼, 새로운 봄을 맞이하기 위해 단풍나무가 줄기를 통해 달달한 수액을 흘려보내듯이, 생명은 생명의 도움으로 지속된다. (현수정)