jiwoong: Tread Water

Blade Study is proud to present “Treading Water,” jiwoong’s first solo exhibition at the gallery, having previously shown in “Epiphany”, 2023.

“Fluttered leg and arm motions cut through the water: back and forth, back and forth. Maintaining a steady breath: in and out, in and out. A swimmer treading water holds their body upright keeping the head, chest and shoulders above the surface, as their arms and legs move continuously. If the person swimming is any good at it, to an outsider they will appear like they aren’t moving much at all. The reality is that maintaining the verticality of the position, the poise, stability, and movement, a person treading water requires athleticism and coordination hidden just below the surface.”

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JIWOONG (b. 1985, Seoul) is a visual artist who works with photographic processes and installation to create sculptural works tied to embodied memory. He is based in New York City. His way of looking is informed by what he learned from failures and being ignored. Studio Art BFA School of Visual Art Photography and Video 2018. Hunter MFA Studio Art 2023.