Chapter, 2026

Park Jong Tae  

Park Jong Tae is a contemporary South Korean sculptor and mixed-media artist born in 1966 who lives and works in Daegu, South Korea. His practice explores transformation, deconstruction, and the hidden narratives embedded within everyday materials. Based in Cheongdo, near Daegu, Jong Tae has developed a distinctive artistic language through which discarded and commonplace objects are reimagined as powerful sculptural forms. Central to his work is the concept of de-usage—the deliberate dismantling of objects from their original function to reveal new meanings, structures, and visual possibilities. Through the manipulation of materials such as glass bottles, wood, wire, and other found elements, Jong Tae investigates the relationship between destruction and creation, challenging viewers to reconsider the value and potential of overlooked materials. His acclaimed Accumulation and Deconstruction Series embody a continuous dialogue between order and fragmentation. By carefully reconstructing dismantled forms, Park creates works that evoke both vulnerability and resilience, reflecting broader themes of memory, transformation, and the cyclical nature of existence. Over the course of his career, Park has presented more than a dozen solo exhibitions. His work has been featured prominently at venues including Gallery J-One in Daegu, where exhibitions such as  and  highlighted the evolution of his artistic vision. He has also exhibited at Suseong Artpia, one of the leading cultural institutions in the Daegu region. In addition to his solo exhibitions, Park has participated in numerous art fairs and group exhibitions throughout South Korea and internationally, including presentations in Shanghai and Zurich. His growing international presence reflects the universal relevance of his exploration of materiality, sustainability, and transformation. Today, Park Jong Tae continues to expand the boundaries of contemporary sculpture and mixed-media practice, transforming discarded materials into compelling visual narratives that invite reflection on renewal, impermanence, and the creative potential hidden within the ordinary.