Korean Cultural Centre AU | Media Release | 1 September 2026

Aqua Paradiso: Exploring Environmental Issues Through Contemporary Art

SYDNEY, NSW – 1 September 2026
The Korean Cultural Centre Australia (Director: Dr. Sunmin Yoon, hereinafter ‘KCCAU’), in collaboration with the Asia Culture Center Foundation (President: Myoung Kyu Kim, hereinafter ‘ACCF’), presents the special touring exhibition Aqua Paradiso at the KCC Gallery from 11 September to 20 November. Co-organised with ACCF, and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE), the exhibition forms part of the “Touring K-Arts” initiative, promoting Korean contemporary art and culture internationally.

Originally curated by the Asia Culture Center (ACC) in Gwangju in 2022, Aqua Paradiso explores water and ecosystems through contemporary art, ecology, and philosophy. The upcoming Sydney exhibition addresses pressing global challenges such as the climate crisis and environmental issues through diverse visual arts, aiming to foster shared empathy and dialogue between Korea and Australia on critical environmental issues.

Particularly in Australia, a country deeply connected to marine ecosystems, the exhibition offers a space to reflect on shared environmental concerns. By highlighting the vital connection between water and human life, Aqua Paradiso aims to foster Korea-Australia cultural exchange while engaging local audiences.

The exhibition features four multidisciplinary works by three Korean artists —Hyewon Kwon, BOO Jihyun, and eco orot. Through moving images, interactive installations, augmented reality (AR), discarded materials, and marine plastics, the artists invite visitors to reconsider their relationship with water and the natural world. Featured artworks include Liquid Vision by Hyewon Kwon, Where is it going by BOO Jihyun, as well as Plastic Mandala and Tears of the Ocean by eco orot.

At the opening ceremony on 11 September, Myoung Kyu Kim, President of ACCF, along with the participating artists, will attend to introduce the exhibition and engage with visitors.

"This international touring exhibition holds great significance as ACC’s high-quality creative content meets global audiences through overseas Korean Cultural Centres," said Myoung Kyu Kim, President of ACCF. "We will continue to promote our outstanding content globally to deepen international cooperation."

"Environmental and ecosystem conservation is a vital challenge that both Korea and Australia must address together," said Dr. Sunmin Yoon, Director of KCCAU. "We hope this exhibition will serve as an opportunity to build empathy with the local public regarding the climate crisis through the medium of art."

Meanwhile, Aqua Paradiso continues its Asia-Pacific tour in Sydney following the successful conclusion of its exhibition at the Korean Cultural Centre India last June.

EXHIBITION INFORMATION
Period: 11 September – 20 November 2026
Venue: Korean Cultural Centre Australia (Ground Floor, 255 Elizabeth St, Sydney)
When:  Monday–Friday, 10am–6pm
Website: https://au.korean-culture.org

Interviews are available upon request.

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