Cha Gi-yul, Professor

Professor Cha Gi-yul of the Division of Fine Arts at Incheon National University has been selected as the “2025 Incheon Art Artist of the Year”, a major visual arts project jointly organized by the Incheon Foundation for Arts and Culture and the Incheon Art Platform.

The Incheon Art Artist of the Year program aims to invigorate the local art scene and expand citizens’ access to culture and the arts by discovering and supporting artists with strong creative capacity and a solid record of activity who are connected to the Incheon region. Alternating annually between mid-career and emerging artists, this initiative has established itself as a platform for shaping both the identity and the future of visual arts in Incheon.

This year’s selection process involved a review of 19 nominated artists, submitted through recommendations and open calls. Candidates were evaluated based on creativity, regional engagement, and future potential for sustained artistic practice.

The selection committee noted,

“Professor Cha Gi-yul has consistently explored grand themes such as the relationship between humans and nature, harmony, and integration—often through an archaeological lens and by experimenting with various media. His artistic originality, combined with his active collaboration and contributions within the Incheon art ecosystem, made him a standout candidate.”

The committee further emphasized that Cha’s work deeply reflects the unique environment of Incheon—drawing on themes such as the city’s tidal flats, local ecology, and the concept of 'media archaeology.' His practice, they added, presents a significant opportunity for Incheon to connect with the global contemporary art scene.

His selection as the 2025 Incheon Art Artist of the Year is expected to renew and expand recognition of his artistic achievements.