Curated by Charon Kransen
May – 2025
Korea Now
A three-week art jewelry exhibition exploring the intersection of Korea’s modern innovation and enduring cultural legacy.
Patina Gallery presents.
Curated by Charon Kransen, this exhibition offers a compelling journey into the distinctive Korean aesthetic, showcasing the work of over 50 Korean artists.
Characterized by meticulous detail, refined craftsmanship, and layered symbolism, each piece reimagines Korea’s rich heritage through a contemporary lens—bridging tradition and innovation.
The contemporary art jewelry movement in Korea began in the 1980s, pioneered by metal artists who had studied abroad. Many became professors, fostering a new generation of artists fluent in both technical mastery and design. Their efforts gave rise to a uniquely Korean aesthetic—precise, symbolic, and globally admired.
Within the collection, artists experiment with bold forms, from exaggerated silhouettes to sculptural shapes resembling insects or miniature architecture. Geometric motifs and asymmetrical patterns imbue each piece with a sense of playfulness and modern minimalism, while still rooted in tradition. These works are not just ornaments—they are wearable expressions of creative vision.
Though often intricate and organic, each piece radiates innovation.
Artists work intuitively with a diverse range of materials—wood, Velcro, shell beads, silver brass, canvas, copper, silver enamel, and more—chosen for both their tactile qualities and symbolic significance. Their beauty lies in the harmony between expert craftsmanship and the stories they convey.
Many works draw deeply from Korean culture: repetitive structures echo traditional architecture; animal and natural motifs reflect the soul of the object; and a persistent pursuit of duality, balance, and purity embodies the nation's philosophical roots.
Join us in celebrating Korea’s extraordinary creative spirit—where the past and present converge through the art of jewelry.
Immerse yourself in the Mindful Meditation series with Allison, as she is joined by curator Charon Kransen to explore the exhibition
Throughout our 25-year story of extraordinary jewels, groundbreaking ingenuity surfaces in the evolving friendship and collaboration from years gone by and in those to come.
For more information on the work, please email: allison@patina-gallery.com
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MAIN IMAGE: Model, Allison Buchsbaum.