Solo Exhibition Episode: A Personal Reflection on Art, Effort, and Audience Connection

 Ceramic Artists from Busan: Why They Came to Seoul

A group show was happening in the next room—featuring ceramic artists from Busan, Korea’s second-largest city.
Despite being respected professionals in their hometowns, they made the extra effort to exhibit in Seoul, Korea’s cultural capital.

 The Cost and Challenge of Exhibiting in a Big City

Bringing fragile ceramic works to Seoul wasn’t easy. Some artists traveled with their pieces; others used expensive specialized art delivery services.

On top of that, accommodation and exhibition costs in the city are no small burden.

 Why Do Artists Seek the Center?

They are already professors and established figures locally. So why do we yearn to expand? 
Why do we push ourselves to be seen in places like Seoul—or New York?
Is it ambition, validation, or something else?

Unexpected Moments of Encouragement from Visitors

Despite my doubts, this solo exhibition brought warm and encouraging feedback.
A young woman in her twenties walked into my fourth-floor showroom, smiling brightly.

“I loved the banner outside—that’s what brought me in. Your painting printed on it was absolutely gorgeous,” she said.

She was talking about the large fabric banner hanging on the gallery’s outer wall—a promotional piece featuring one of my paintings.
I didn’t expect anyone to notice the exhibition banner hanging outside the gallery, but to my surprise, it left a real impression.

It reminded me that even in this digital age, what I once thought of as an old-fashioned physical banner-when well placed- can still move people, sometimes even more than an Instagram post ever could.


Photo by © Christine Bae

 Offline Connection in a Digital World

I had assumed people only pay attention to Instagram or YouTube now.
But this visitor—young, modern, digital-savvy—noticed something physical: a fabric banner.
And that gave me new perspective.

 Staying True to My Artistic Voice

My painting subjects aren’t trendy or commercial.
But moments like this remind me: someone out there understands.
Someone feels the same.
That belief is enough to keep going.

Photo by © Christine Bae

 Final Thoughts: You're Not Alone

As an artist, it’s easy to feel discouraged.
But belief—in others, in your art—gives you strength to stand up again.
This was one of those moments.
I’m not alone.
And maybe, neither are you.

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