Heejae Hong

Artist Statement

People who grew up in the countryside may long for nature. For the artist, memories live in every corner of the city where she was born and raised. The asphalt streets of Jongno and the buildings on its street corners bring back memories of her childhood.

The artist creates flat, abstract paintings centered on memory and emotion, with the city as her subject. Her work carries a heartfelt wish: that viewers may fulfill the dreams, ambitions, and love they hold within.

The straight lines rising skyward between the tall buildings represent a path to success—a place where wishes come true. This is the hidden message within her work.

Bright colors, simple forms, and a poetic atmosphere define these paintings. The cityscape of striking buildings and the line reaching into the open sky—the “Success Line”—invite viewers to look toward their own dreams and hopes, bringing energy into their lives. These works are contemporary art shaped by the artist’s vision.

Profile

Heejae Hong is a Korean contemporary artist who holds an MFA in Painting from Hongik University. Her work explores memory, emotion, and the nostalgia of the city where she was born and raised.

Using vivid colors and simplified forms, Hong creates flat, abstract cityscapes that express dreams, aspiration, and the desire for success. The vertical lines rising between her buildings, which she calls the “Success Line,” symbolize a path toward fulfilling one’s hopes.

Hong has participated in more than 100 exhibitions. Her honors include the 2025 Peace Culture Award and the 2026 Seoul Mayor’s Award. She is also the director of Hongin Gallery.