How our art came to South Korea.

This year, we – Daniel and Gulnara Heinz – are participating in the 11th Geoje International Art Festival "Blooming Art" at the Haegeumgang Theme Museum. For us, this is not just an exhibition, but also a matter close to our hearts. Because there's more to these two paintings than just paint on canvas.

From father to mother: A special participation

I, Daniel Heinz, have been privileged to participate in the festival for the past two years. This year, my mother Gulnara was keen to participate with a work of her own. She has long dreamed of seeing one of her paintings in a museum—and now the time has finally come.

We worked together on the two large-format works for eight days, with a lot of concentration, mutual feedback, and a few minor creative crises (which are simply part of the process).

Our works: connection and transformation

This image depicts a silent yet intense moment between a woman and a horse—two beings who communicate not through words, but through their mere presence. The scene takes place in a field of wheat, surrounded by yellowhammers and delicate wildflowers.
The atmosphere is calm, almost meditative—a state of trust and inner blossoming. It's not a classic portrait, but rather an invitation to engage in true connection: honest, open, and quiet.

“Connection” by Gulnara Heinz
Acrylic on canvas | 115.8 x 75 cm | 2025

A lone crane strides through a gray, almost empty landscape. With every step, it leaves golden traces, awakens blossoms , and brings color to the seemingly lifeless.

Inspired by the symbolism of the crane in Korean culture – a sign of good luck and longevity – this work tells of how art not only depicts the world, but changes it.
It poses the question: Do we only observe with art – or do we create new reality with it?

“Golden Traces” by Daniel Heinz
Acrylic on canvas | 93 x 144 cm | 2025

And then came the shipping...

Painting a picture: Check.
Title, description, photos: check.
And then – the real challenge: How do you get two huge screens safely to South Korea?

Three things we learned:

• Wooden crates are worth their weight in gold. Literally. We had custom-made ones built to ensure nothing slips.
• Good planning pays off. The works were on the move for about two weeks – with air cushions, customs documents, and a lot of hope.
• Patience. Lots of patience. Checking tracking numbers has almost become a new hobby.

We are very grateful for the support of the museum staff, who received and prepared everything professionally.

Why all this is more than just art for us

Of course, it's nice to show one's own work in an international context. But for us, this participation is also a sign of something else: that art connects generations. That dreams – like Gulnara's of exhibiting in a museum – have no expiration date. And that it's worth holding on to visions, even if they sometimes seem far away.

What is your connection to art?

Perhaps you have already created something that means a lot to you – or are you toying with the idea of ​​finally picking up a brush or pen again?

No matter where you are right now, art has the power to set things in motion. Sometimes in others—often in ourselves, too.

👉 Feel free to tell us in the comments what connects you to art.
Or sign up for our newsletter if you'd like to learn more about our exhibitions, new works, or insights into studio life. We'd love for you to join us on this journey.

Here you can find the museum: "Haegeumgang Them e Museum"