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The following was submitted by the Griffin Museum of Photography:
The Griffin Museum of Photography is proud to present three compelling exhibitions that explore identity, belonging, memory, and heritage through powerful visual storytelling: “New Horizons: Korean Contemporary Photography,” “Imprints” by Timothy Hyunsoo Lee, and “to you, from seoul” by Nick Ortoleva, ongoing now through June 29.
Together, these exhibitions examine deeply personal experiences that resonate with global themes — offering reflection on cultural legacy, migration, and the politics of visibility.
There will be an artist panel on May 10 with Joanne Junga Yang and artists Soosik Lim & Sun Hi Zo, from 2:30 to 4 p.m.
Korean Cultural Night will also be held on May 10, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
An Artist Talk with Timothy Hyunsoo Lee will be held June 11 at 5 p.m.
The New Horizons exhibit brings together seven contemporary artists from Korea — Ok Hyun Ahn, Seongyoun Koo, Anna Lim, Soosik Lim, Hyundoo Park, Jiyeon Sung, and Sun Hi Zo. COURTESY PHOTOS/GRIFFIN MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY
“New Horizons: Korean Contemporary Photography”
“New Horizons: Korean Contemporary Photography” was curated by Joanne Junga Yang
New Horizons brings together seven contemporary artists from Korea — Ok Hyun Ahn, Seongyoun Koo, Anna Lim, Soosik Lim, Hyundoo Park, Jiyeon Sung, and Sun Hi Zo — whose practices push the boundaries of the photographic medium and explore new modes of perception and expression.
From explorations of personal and collective memory to critiques of societal norms and gendered representation, each artist contributes to a nuanced dialogue about Korean identity and contemporary photographic practice.
“This exhibition invites audiences to see and interpret the familiar world through fresh perspectives, showcasing the visual experimentation and diverse approaches that define Korean photography today.” – Joanne Junga Yang
Timothy Hyunsoo Lee | “Imprints”
“Imprints” presents a collection of cyanotypes and image transfer works that reflect Lee’s experience as a queer Korean-American artist navigating themes of migration, memory, and belonging. Through the poetic metaphor of the mugwort — a plant both resilient and displaced — Lee connects his photographic process to the lexicon of immigration and assimilation.
“My practice tells a fragmented story constantly reassembling itself — a story of how a boy grew into his body and into his home.” – Timothy Hyunsoo Lee
Lee’s work challenges the permanence of photography, embracing decay, loss, and the transformation of meaning as images are transferred again and again, mimicking the shifting identity of diaspora life.
Nick Ortoleva | to you, from seoul
This solo exhibition by Boston-based photographer Nick Ortoleva traces his return to Seoul for the first time since his adoption as a child. Combining current photographs with family archives and handwritten notes, Ortoleva explores place, memory, and self-discovery through the visual map of a city once unfamiliar but inherently part of him.
“As I stomp through the late summer heat, I stop to make notes and photograph, to expand the visual map of the city I have set out to make… to discover what place can hold for the individual.” – Nick Ortoleva
“New Horizons: Korean Contemporary Photography” exhibition is made possible by the generous financial support of the Griffin Directors Circle, Griffin Exhibition Committee and Advisory Council. Additional support from the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea and the Korean Cultural Society of Boston.
Griffin is grateful for the support provided by Panopticon Imaging as our printing partner for the exhibition.
For more information, visit www.griffinmuseum.org.
