Sojin Kwak (b. 1993), an emerging media artist from Korea, has been selected as the first winner of the ‘Sisley Award for Young Creation Korea,’ organized by Trois Cinq Friedland, the cultural foundation of the French cosmetics company Sisley.

The Trois Cinq Friedland established the Sisley Award for Young Creation in 2019 in partnership with the École des Beaux-Arts de Paris to discover and support young artists. Artists recognized by this award have rapidly entered the global art market, securing representation with prestigious galleries and gaining significant attention. The past recipients include Clédia Fourniau and Ymane Chabi-Gara.

In November last year, the Trois Cinq Friedland launched the Sisley Award for Young Creation Korea to highlight the excellence of emerging Korean artists, recognizing the dynamic nature of Korea's art scene. Korea is the first country outside of France to host this award.

The inaugural Sisley Award for Young Creation Korea was open to graduates of the School of Visual Arts at Korea National University of Arts (K-Arts). The initial screening, conducted by artists Hwayeon Nam and Sojung Jun, shortlisted eight candidates. A panel of 10 domestic and international art experts then served as the final jury.

Sojin Kwak, the first recipient, graduated from the Department of Film at the School of Film, TV & Multimedia at K-Arts and later earned a master’s degree in Intermedia Art from the same university. Starting her career as a cinematographer in film and documentary, Kwak has, since 2020, expanded her practice to include video works based on site-specific research and performative filming, as well as performances incorporating objects.

Jury member Nicolas Bourriaud praised Kwak’s unique thematic focus and solid formal approach, highlighting her exceptional potential. Meanwhile, Hye-Young Yoon, Managing Director of Kukje Gallery, commended Kwak’s ability to seamlessly expand personal narratives into universal themes.

The winner will receive a grant of 7.5 million KRW (approximately 5,000 euros) and the opportunity to hold a solo exhibition in Seoul during the first half of 2025, supported by Sisley.

References

• 한국예술종합학교, 뉴스레터 2025-1 (vol.202) (K’ARTS, Newsletter 2025-1 (vol.202) )
• 중앙일보, 프랑스 화장품 회사가 꽂혔다, K아트 젊은 감성, 2024.12.28

Ji Yeon Lee has been working as an editor for the media art and culture channel AliceOn since 2021 and worked as an exhibition coordinator at samuso (now Space for Contemporary Art) from 2021 to 2023.