We were lucky to catch up with Sangwoo Yoo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sangwoo, thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

The moment I decided to pursue a creative path professionally was during my military service in South Korea. It was a transformative time in my life. While serving, I submitted an artwork to a national art competition called the Hoguk Art Exhibition. Participating as a soldier felt like a rare and meaningful opportunity, and I wanted to make the most of it.

For the competition, I created a piece that addressed a historical issue tied to Korea’s colonial period under Japanese rule, specifically exploring policies of systematic massacres. This topic was deeply personal to me as it resonated with my family’s history. I poured everything I had into the project, often staying up all night refining my ideas and execution. Even at the time, I knew this was more than just a competition—it was a chance to use art as a voice for storytelling and reflection.

When my work was awarded the Grand Prize, it became a turning point. For the first time, I realized that my art had the power to move people, to resonate beyond myself. That experience gave me a confidence I hadn’t had before.

Before this, I had been somewhat directionless. I had started art at a young age, but much of my training focused on technical skill rather than deeper self-expression or purpose. This experience during my military service showed me that art could be more than skill—it could be a bridge to connection and change. That realization cemented my decision to dedicate myself to art professionally.

Sangwoo, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a sculptor and visual artist, and my work focuses on exploring the intersection of materiality, memory, and social responsibility. My creative process is centered on using site-specific materials to reawaken the dulled senses of contemporary society. I believe we live in a world where the rapid cycles of creation and destruction have left us disconnected—from ourselves, from our environments, and from time itself. As an artist, I see my role as restoring this sense of “temporal continuity” that has been lost. Through my work, I aim to create what I call a “still shelter,” a space where the body and mind can pause, reconnect, and linger in harmony.

My practice includes a wide range of projects, from large-scale sculptures to immersive installations. What really drives my work is my fascination with the materials I use. I want to tell their stories, explore their impermanence, and reveal how they reflect the ecological cycles around us. For instance, in my project Portrait of Loss, I used organic and ephemeral materials to explore themes of impermanence and ecological responsibility. This approach helps me create pieces that speak not just to the eye but also to the heart and mind.

One thing I want people to know about my art is that it’s deeply rooted in my belief that art has the power to inspire change. I want my work to challenge people—to highlight untold histories, address urgent social issues, and reimagine how we interact with nature. My ultimate mission is to create art that leaves a meaningful, lasting impact—visually, emotionally, and intellectually.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

The most important way for society to support artists is by providing financial assistance that enables them to sustain their creative practice. Stable grants and funding are essential for artists to focus on their work without the constant pressure of balancing their livelihood and creative pursuits. Additionally, offering affordable studio spaces and exhibition venues can strengthen the physical foundation for their practice. It’s equally crucial to ensure that art is valued not just for its market worth but for its social and cultural significance, protected and promoted through policies and systems. When these structural supports are in place, artists can thrive, and a richer, more vibrant creative ecosystem can emerge.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist, for me, is when my work evokes a deep emotional connection with someone. When a viewer pauses to reflect on my piece or experiences a strong emotional reaction, it brings me immense fulfillment. To maximize this emotional resonance, I strive to understand my work as objectively as possible from the audience’s perspective during the creative process. As artists, we can grow desensitized to our ideas after working on them for so long, while viewers experience the work for the first time in the exhibition space, interpreting it through the visible elements alone. Keeping this in mind helps me create art that is more accessible and impactful.

I also find great satisfaction in the creative process itself, especially in exploring materials and uncovering the stories they hold. It’s incredibly rewarding to contribute something meaningful to the world, to spark dialogue, or to inspire change through my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sangwooyoo.art
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sangwooyoo_/

Image Credits

Sangwoo Yoo