HYO

Hyo (nee Dohyeon Eom, b.1987, Ulsan, Korea) lives and works in France. Her practice can be understood as exploring the balance of function and beauty, the objects fulfill the comforts of daily ritual and art. The object’s utility in the real world hold as much importance as it its aesthetic pleasure. The artist’s ceramicist pseudonym, Hyo—meaning “Place that carries brightness” or “A place that brings light” was suggested by her father, inspired by her birthday during Korea’s cold December, He chose this name to bring light and warmth to her work. Each piece is animated with the warmth one gets from a beloved object or a soothing habit of a daily cup of tea. Hyo’s work is characterized by both spontaneity and intention. She creates in unison with the material and embraces the unpredictability of the medium. There is no force in her work, whether she is improvising with the clay and discovering unexpected forms or building objects from predetermined sketches. Every mark, movement and gesture is done with patience and care, allowing the shape reveal itself. Hyo’s practice is largely informed by her Korean heritage, particularly the tradition of everyday ceramics. Having grown up near a village renowned for creating these functional yet beautiful objects, Hyo was able to see the partnership of craft, utility and beauty that formed the foundation for her work. Currently resides in Brittany, France, Hyo gets inspiration from a new culture with its own strong traditions linked to the environment.

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Hyo's Presentation

In Brittany, Hyo has learned from the local artisans about working with wild-harvested clay and creating bespoke glazes. Living within nature became a profound
source of inspiration in her practice. Establishing a studio in the countryside allowed Hyo to fully immerse herself within the rhythms of nature; picking wild garlic in spring, making raspberry jam in summer, harvesting hazelnuts in autumn. This patience and
consideration is reflected throughout her work.

For Hyo, ceramics is an art form defined by coincidence and imperfection. Rather than opposing the nature of the material she allows it the opportunity for its own expression, unique to each final form.

  • Hyo's Interview

    In the following conversation, Galerie Rivière talks with ceramic artist Hyo (née
    Dohyeon Eom) whose work thoughtfully blends Korean tradition with the rural
    influences of Brittany, France...

    Learn more about Hyo 

  • Hyo's Collection

    Hyo’s work is characterized by both spontaneity and intention. She creates in unison with the material and embraces the unpredictability of the medium objects from predetermined sketches...

    Discover the Collection