Woo Jin Joo conjures mythic tales from uncanny sculptures of fiber and found objects. Seoul-born and London-based, Joo scavenges furniture and garments for her art, crafting human-sized figures cloaked in white and beige fringe, and other works that merge animal bodies with domestic fixtures.
Her solo exhibition, Bodily Inbetweenness, showcases works that tap into the strange and surreal, transcending perception and exploring the potential for meaning in mundane interactions. Living between cultures has allowed Joo a fluid approach, drawing on East Asian mythology and folklore, as well as her experiences in London.
Scale is crucial, with larger sculptures standing as tall as the artist. These works prompt viewers to move around, considering the size and presence of the sculptures in relation to their own bodies. Joo’s process of ideation to production is enchanting, as her mind’s eye comes to inhabit a corner of her studio as a fully animated being.
Until then, stop by Ruup & Form to see Joo’s exhibition. In 2027, her work will also be on view at the Harley Foundation in Nottinghamshire. Follow her on Instagram for updates.
