Hanwha Foundation of Culture opens contemporary art venue Space ZeroOne in the heart of New York

The Hanwha Foundation of Culture is set to open Space ZeroOne, a new nonprofit contemporary art space located in Tribeca, the cultural and artistic hub of New York City. Expanding the foundation’s long-standing commitment to cultural exchange and artist patronage into the heart of New York, the new venue will become a base for global artistic collaboration and a gateway for emerging Korean artists to enter the international art world.

Opening on November 7, Space ZeroOne’s inaugural exhibition, “Contours of Zero: Emerging Korean Artists in New York,” will present around 20 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and installations, by eight emerging Korean artists who explore the intersections of technology, materiality, and cultural identity — reflecting diverse aspects of contemporary society. Participating artists include Jungki Beak, Jiyoung Yoo, and Jihee Kim — alumni of Hanwha’s Youngmin International Artist Residency Program — as well as Junghae Park, Jeenho Seo, Minjung Song, Kai Oh, and Khia Hong. The official opening event will also feature key figures from New York’s art community.

The exhibition takes its cue from the meaning behind the venue’s name, ZeroOne. The concept of “zero” often refers to emptiness, but here, “Zero” represents latent potential; it is the very ground from which new forms and connections emerge. On the other hand, “One” symbolizes the realization of that potential. The combination of the Korean word “zero” (yeong) and the English word “one” forms “yeongwon,” meaning “eternity” in Korean, symbolizing the artists’ ongoing creative journeys and the Foundation’s enduring commitment to supporting them.

“Space ZeroOne will serve as a meaningful milestone in establishing the foundation’s presence in New York’s contemporary art scene,” said Sungsoo Lee, Chairman of the Hanwha Foundation of Culture. “The union of ‘Zero’ and ‘One’ symbolizes our wish for artists’ creative journeys to continue endlessly and embodies Space ZeroOne’s commitment to walking alongside them on that path.” 

In addition, the mezzanine level will showcase artist Hong Seung-Hye’s mezzanine installation, which transforms the space into a geometric, abstract lounge exploring art that can be used and inhabited. This experimental installation questions the functional role of art while expanding Space ZeroOne’s spatial identity.

As Korean contemporary art and culture continue to attract international attention, the opening of this new exhibition space in New York is expected to showcase Korea’s dynamic creative ecosystem to a global audience and further strengthen cross-cultural networks.

Space ZeroOne

Space ZeroOne is a new initiative of the Hanwha Foundation of Culture, extending the foundation’s longstanding commitment to cultural exchange and artistic experimentation into the heart of New York’s art world. ZeroOne aims to create a venue dedicated to emerging voices, risk-taking, and dialogue across cultures. Through exhibitions, commissions, and public programs, ZeroOne supports emerging and underrecognized artists worldwide, in addition to Korean and Korean diasporic practitioners, all while engaging the broader ecosystem of New York’s contemporary art community.

Hanwha Foundation of Culture

The Hanwha Foundation of Culture supports artists and cultural initiatives that foster international dialogue and innovation through partnerships, residencies, and exhibitions across Asia, Europe, and North America. In collaboration with the Centre Pompidou, the foundation is establishing a major new art museum, Centre Pompidou Hanwha Seoul, presenting landmark exhibitions from the Pompidou’s collection and its own special exhibitions, alongside educational and public programs. The foundation also administers the Youngmin International Residency Grant, established through a generous bequest from the late Mrs. Seo Young Min, wife of Hanwha Chairman Kim Seung Yeon and a devoted arts patron. The program offers emerging Korean artists opportunities to participate in leading residencies worldwide, supporting their artistic development and fostering international exchange. Together, these initiatives reflect Hanwha’s commitment to building a sustainable arts ecosystem and strengthening cultural dialogue across borders.