Ryujeong(Yujeong) Han, a contemporary Korean visual, jewelry artist, blends her rich expertise in fine art, fashion design, and jewelry & metalwork to challenge and redefine societal norms. Her journey in the world of art and design commenced at Ewha Womans University, where she earned her degrees in Fine Art and Fashion Design in 2021. She further honed her skills in Jewelry & Metalwork, graduating from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2023. Her works have been showcased in prominent exhibitions, including the 2022 Dye House Providence, World’s Fair Gallery, SNAG exhibition, and New York Jewelry Week’s Dream Machine and Sol-Koffler Gallery in Providence. Additionally, she participated in “Still Processing” by SNAG and “Adorned Serenity” by Queer Metalsmith in 2023.
Ryujeong’s artistry powerfully contributes to the evolving conversations about women and minorities in Korea, showcasing her commitment to these vital social issues. Her art transcends traditional boundaries, employing an eclectic mix of mediums such as wearable art, metalwork, 3D printing, electroforming, and video to create pieces that are not only visually striking but also rich in narrative. Her works are not just visual treats but gateways to deeper dialogues, inviting viewers to explore and embrace diverse perspectives. With each piece, she reinforces her position as a vital voice in the ongoing conversations about women and minorities in Korea, embodying commitment and inspiration in every creation.
Thank you for joining us, Ryujeong. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Thank you for having me. I’m Ryujeong, often going by Yujeong Han, and I work at the intersection of contemporary art and high jewelry design. My journey began in Korea, where the blend of traditional beauty and contemporary innovation deeply influenced my artistic vision.
Educated at Ewha Womans University and later at the Rhode Island School of Design, I’ve cultivated a distinctive style that marries the principles of fine art and fashion design with the meticulous craft of jewelry making. My work is driven by a passion to explore and expand the boundaries of both art and jewelry, aiming to create pieces that not only tell a story but also stir deep emotions in those who see or wear them.
At the core of my creations is a rich narrative that delves into the complexities of identity, with a particular focus on the experiences of women and minorities in Korea. Through my art, I seek to challenge and reshape societal norms, employing my designs as a means for meaningful dialogue and societal change.
What brings you to art? What is your process like?
Growing up in a society where conformity was the norm and individual expression often suppressed, I found myself developing a reserved personality. However, it was through art that I discovered my voice. My journey began with traditional Korean painting, a form of fine art that resonated deeply with me. It offered a philosophical and profoundly personal canvas to tell my stories.
As my artistic aspirations evolved, I yearned to explore beyond the canvas, to engage with art that connected more directly with humanity. This led me to fashion design, where I infused the lessons learned from Korean painting into innovative works. Fashion allowed me to experiment with diverse materials and to express my personal narrative in new, tangible ways.
My exploration didn’t stop with fashion. I was drawn to the intimate and expressive world of jewelry design. Jewelry, often underestimated as merely adornment, possesses a unique power. It fosters a dynamic conversation between the wearer and the creator, offering a medium that is both personal and public. Through jewelry,
I aim to convey stories and emotions, bridging personal experiences with universal themes.
What is the most exciting thing you’ve done or accomplished so far?
Currently, I am actively participating in various exhibitions within the contemporary jewelry field, including prestigious events in Brussels, France, and at the New York Jewelry Week this year. My participation in two distinctive collections, “Beyond Magic, 2023” and “Power Make Up! Series, 2023,” aims to challenge and transcend the stereotypical view of jewelry as merely ornamental. Through these works, I strive to demonstrate that jewelry can significantly impact society, serving as a powerful medium that resonates with the public on a deeper level.
My goal is to showcase that jewelry is not limited to traditional materials like metals but can incorporate a diverse range of mediums, offering varied methods and expressions. This perspective is highlighted in the exhibitions, where I wish to inform and educate the audience about the expansive possibilities within the realm of jewelry design.
While contemporary art jewelry might still be an unfamiliar art form to many, my work in this area seeks to bridge that gap. I hope to introduce a wider audience to the unique allure of contemporary art jewelry, encouraging a greater appreciation and understanding of its value beyond conventional commercial jewelry. Through my creations, I aspire to invite viewers into a world where jewelry is recognized not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its capacity to convey profound messages and emotions.
What does “community” mean to you? How do you see yourself in a community?
Community is akin to a safe haven for me, a place where individuals with shared ideals or experiences gather, creating a powerful sense of belonging and enhancing the collective bond. The absence of such communities within my social sphere has always left a void, driving me to place a significant emphasis on the concept of community in my artistic endeavors.
In my work with contemporary art jewelry, I strive to transcend the traditional view of jewelry as merely an adornment. Instead, I see it as a medium for building micro-communities, enabling wearers to express their identities and connect on a deeper level. This approach to jewelry design is not just about creating beautiful objects, but about crafting pieces that speak to the wearer’s soul, encouraging a sense of unity and shared purpose.
My vision is to use jewelry as a tool for social engagement, to foster a sense of community among those who might feel disconnected or isolated. By wearing a piece of contemporary art jewelry, individuals can signal their belonging to a community that values deeper, more personal connections. It’s about giving voice to our individual and collective stories, creating a fabric of connections that strengthens our social bonds.
In simple terms, my art celebrates the idea of coming together, of finding our tribe through the jewelry we wear. It’s about making jewelry that does more than just look good; it connects us, tells our stories, and helps us find others who share our values and dreams. Through my work, I hope to show that art has the power to bring us closer, to create a place where we all belong, and to give strength to both individuals and groups.
What are you working on right now?
Currently, I’m balancing my role as a high jewelry designer at Anna Hu with progressing on my personal projects. My latest personal endeavor, the “Beyond Magic” series, marks a shift towards creating jewelry with a greater focus on wearability. This project is a departure from my previous work, as I’m striving to infuse it with more personal narratives. It’s still in the early stages, so the direction it will ultimately take remains open, but I’m committed to weaving my own stories into the pieces I create.
This year also marks my first foray into the high jewelry sector, presenting a new set of challenges and learning opportunities. Working with high-value gemstones in high jewelry requires a different approach compared to contemporary jewelry, involving careful consideration of design and material. However, this experience has proven to be invaluable, bridging my understanding and skills between contemporary and industry jewelry sectors. It’s an exciting time, blending traditional craftsmanship with my personal vision to push the boundaries of jewelry design.
Is there any advice that you would like to share with others?
My core advice to others, especially fellow artists, is to continuously use their art as a means to voice their unique perspectives in society. There’s something profoundly empowering about expressing oneself boldly and authentically through art. I believe in the power of honestly crafting stories and experiences from one’s inner self. This process can reveal your true essence and guide you in understanding the messages you wish to convey through your art. Art is an endless journey of self-exploration, and it can be one of the most challenging endeavors. My hope is for all artists, including myself, to remain undaunted, continually sharing our genuine stories. This authenticity in art not only enriches the artist but also deeply impacts society.
These responses are designed to reflect your ongoing projects and personal philosophy without repeating the previously mentioned details, offering a fresh perspective on your current work and advice to fellow artists.
text & photo courtesy of Ryujeong(Yujeong) Han
- Website: https://www.ryujewelry.com
- Instagram: @ryujewelry
