From Leipzig to South Korea
From Leipzig to South Korea
My connection to the international art scene – from participating artist to jury member.
Looking back today at my connection to the South Korean art scene, in 2023 I probably wouldn't have imagined where this journey would take me.
At that time, I was invited for the first time to show one of my paintings at an international art exhibition in South Korea. For me, it was a special experience. As an artist, getting the opportunity to exhibit one's own work in a museum on the other side of the world is something one doesn't simply take for granted.
Today, three years later, a completely new situation has developed: I am not only participating in the exhibition as an artist, but this year I was also invited to be a jury member. This means I can now select artists myself and give them the opportunity to present their works in South Korea.
A painting is selected by a jury member – the beginning of the connection.
A new work sent to South Korea every year – a fixed part of the artistic exchange.
First time on the jury myself – nine artists selected worldwide.
An International Exhibition on Geoje
The exhibition takes place at the Haegeumgang Theme Museum on Geoje Island in South Korea's South Gyeongsang Province.
The museum was founded in 2016 and is dedicated to combining Korean tradition with contemporary art. For me, it's a special place because artists from different countries and with very different artistic expressions come together there.
From October 1st to December 25th, 2026, works by more than 400 artists from various countries will be presented there.
I always find it exciting to see how differently art is perceived and created. Every artist brings their own story, culture, and personal perspective. This international exchange, in particular, makes such exhibitions particularly interesting for me.
How it all Began in 2023
My own connection to this exhibition began in 2023. At that time, one of my paintings was selected by a jury member for participation. I didn't expect then that a long-term connection would develop from it.
I was simply happy to have the opportunity to show my own work in a museum in South Korea. Since then, I have sent a painting to South Korea for the exhibition every year. For me, it was a wonderful opportunity to show my art to an international audience and at the same time be part of a larger artistic exchange.
In 2026, my role has now changed. I was invited to be a jury member myself and had the privilege of selecting artists from various countries for participation.
My Selection: Different Artists, Different Styles
When making my selection, one thing was particularly important to me: diversity. I wanted to choose artists who represent different styles and perspectives. For me, art also thrives on the fact that not everything looks the same and not every artist speaks the same language.
In total, I selected nine artists from various countries. These include positions from Germany, Ukraine, the USA, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Russia. I am proud of each individual selection because each of these artistic positions brings something unique.
I would like to introduce three artists here as examples.
Works at the intersection of symbolism and narrative figuration. Her works create imagined spaces where human and anthropomorphic figures interact. Her works have been exhibited internationally and are held in numerous private and institutional collections.
For the exhibition in Geoje, she presents the work “Studio 99” – an interior where humans and animals share a special connection. The title refers to a TV channel from her childhood and the memory of a world that then seemed distant and unattainable.
At 84 years old, she is one of the most experienced artists in my selection. Between 1990 and 1996, she studied painting with the American constructivist Constance Irene Murdock in Cologne – constructivism has shaped her artistic work ever since. Her works have been exhibited in Vienna, Antwerp, and Amsterdam, among other places.
Her work “3 BaumKoalas” was selected for South Korea, which combines hand-drawn patterns with contemporary expression. Three koalas share a tree – for me, a symbol of togetherness and connection that fits very well with an international art exhibition.
Combines emotional expressiveness with a sensitive exploration of human relationships in her painting.
Her work “Love Beyond Time” depicts a silent moment between a girl and a cow, inspired by the Slavic fairy tale "Havroshechka," in which the cow is the only creature that truly cares for the girl. What touches me most about this work is the silent connection between the two figures – trust, closeness, and care, themes that can be understood regardless of language and origin.
My Own Work: “The Invitation”
I myself am also represented in this year's exhibition with my own work. My painting is titled “The Invitation” and measures 120 × 80 cm. It was created in 2026 and painted with acrylic on canvas – and it is one of my personal favorites.
At its center is a figure reminiscent of a jester. Arms wide open, it seems to directly invite the viewer. Behind it, a vibrant world of colors, faces, shadows, and impressions unfolds. In its hand, the figure holds a puppet, referring to the theme of the mask.
For me, the painting raises the question of what lies behind the roles we assume in life. Which side of ourselves do we show to others? And what remains hidden?
An Invitation to South Korea
This year, I was personally invited to South Korea to participate in the exhibition. Unfortunately, I will not be able to make the journey myself in 2026 – the current circumstances and the associated high travel costs influenced this decision.
Nevertheless, I am very happy that my own work will be represented in the exhibition and that I was able to participate in the selection of other artists as a jury member. Even if I cannot be there in person this year, the connection to this exhibition remains special for me.
From Participation to Jury
When I think back to 2023, when one of my paintings was selected for an exhibition in South Korea for the first time, my current role as a jury member feels like a significant next step. Back then, I was the artist who got the chance to show his work in a museum in South Korea. Today, I can offer this opportunity to other artists myself.
For me, this is precisely one of the most beautiful aspects of this development. Art thrives on exchange. It connects people, countries, and cultures – even when people speak different languages and come from very different parts of the world.
The exhibition in Geoje is therefore more than just another international exhibition for me. It represents a connection that began a few years ago with a single painting and has since evolved.
From Leipzig to South Korea – and perhaps this is just the beginning of an even longer artistic journey.
Geoje International Art Festival
October 1 – December 25, 2026 · Haegeumgang Theme Museum, Geoje, South Korea
