Hanmi Semiconductor Chairman Debuts Industrial Art Exhibition in Seoul

Kwak Dong-shin, the chairman of HANMI Semiconductor, has launched his first solo art exhibition under the pseudonym Kwak Shin at the Seoul Auction Gangnam Center. The exhibition, titled "Endless," marks a rare intersection where high-precision industrial manufacturing meets fine art.

Featuring over 60 aluminum sculptures, the collection replaces traditional sculpting tools with the machinery of the semiconductor industry. According to the Maeil Business Newspaper, Kwak utilizes AutoCAD for initial designs, followed by CNC milling and industrial robots to carve precise three-dimensional reliefs into aluminum blocks. The works are rendered in vivid colors reminiscent of pop art, featuring motifs such as clocks, dollar signs, and hearts.

The Precision of Art

The exhibition is the culmination of Kwak's 29 years of experience in precision machining. By applying the same technical rigor used to build semiconductor equipment, the artist achieves a level of detail unattainable by hand. The sculptures are machined at minute angles, a technique designed to create visual depth through multi-directional light reflection.

Specific pieces in the collection translate industrial durability into emotional themes. For instance, the work "Endless Love" employs aluminum specifically to symbolize the unchanging nature of love, citing the material's inherent durability. In contrast, the piece "Super Rich" utilizes 3D carved dollar signs to provide a visual representation of human desires for achievement and wealth.

Industrial Crossover

This exhibition demonstrates a significant repurposing of industrial-grade technology for creative expression. By transforming cold, industrial aluminum into emotive art, Kwak highlights the versatility of CNC milling and robotics beyond the factory floor. The project also provides a glimpse into the personal creative pursuits of a high-profile leader within the semiconductor sector, bridging the gap between corporate engineering and aesthetic exploration.

Looking Ahead

The "Endless" exhibition will remain open to the public at the Seoul Auction Gangnam Center through September 15. As the boundary between digital design and physical art continues to blur, observers will be watching to see if this fusion of semiconductor-grade precision becomes a broader trend in contemporary sculpture.