Choong Sup Lim: Yard (마당, Madang)

Shin Gallery is pleased to announce Yard (마당, Madang), a solo exhibition of the works of Choong Sup Lim. Yard alludes to a place in a figurative sense—a poetic abstraction ‘mind space’—an experimental freedom that blurs divisions in humankind and embraces the modernized mundane.

Growing up in Jincheon, Korea, Choong Sup Lim (b. 1941) has sought to escape categories and affiliations, seeking a place “in-between” tradition and modernity. His deep devotion to introspection and remembrance, affinity for classical philosophy, and familial connections all play a formative role deeply akin to his artistic imagination today. Rather than looking externally to draw traditions and patterns, Lim looks inwards, “digging his heart out”, and letting his spirit guide his works to completion. Lim described his intuitive process: “Ten years ago I made a part of the temple, three years ago made another part, but [I] decided it was ready last night”.

Sweeping paint strokes, stark verticality and natural horizontal movement center his optimistic forethought at the origin. Citing architecture as a manifestation of spirituality, Yard’s works include a Korean temple reimagined and a bronzed sculpture of an animal and plant hybrid—a few of the many poetic abstractions that highlight some of Lim’s most outstanding philosophical imaginations. Found objects ground the art in remembrance and time–a resin-cast baby walker, snipped hair, dried vegetables. While Lim’s Buddhist-based spirituality is carried along in the throughline of his work, Lim’s life in art is one of quiet fulfillment. When asked about his daily routines, he speaks of caring for himself, his heart, and cooking spaghetti. “Making art is yoga,” he says.

Lim has been exhibited in numerous museums and galleries in both Korea and New York City: Shin Gallery, New York (2026), Korean Cultural Center New York, New York (2025); Gallery Hyundai, Seoul (2023); Pace Gallery, Seoul (2022); Shin Gallery, New York (2022); The Korea Society Gallery, New York (2015); Wumin Art Center, Cheongju (2014); National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Gwacheon (2012); Hakgojae Gallery, Seoul (2010); Chang Art, Beijing (2009); Asian American Arts Center, New York (2006); Kukje, Seoul (1999). Lim still lives and works at his studio in New York City today.