Moon-Seup Shim

SHIM Moon-Seup (b. 1943, Tongyeong, South Korea) is a central figure in contemporary Korean sculpture and a pioneer of the country’s artistic avant-garde.

His practice is rooted in a profound exploration of the relationship between matter, time, and nature, challenging the traditional boundaries of sculpture. Working with materials such as wood, stone, iron, and earth, the artist investigates processes of transformation, balance, and impermanence, often inspired by the maritime landscape of his hometown.

Since the 1960s, SHIM Moon-Seup has played a fundamental role in redefining sculpture, incorporating experimental approaches that engage in dialogue with Minimalism and movements such as Mono-ha, while maintaining a deep connection to Korean philosophy and aesthetic sensibility.

His work is held in major institutional collections, including the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (Seoul), the Leeum Museum of Art, and the Hakone Open-Air Museum, among others.