Hechyeomoyeo opens 18th mass exhibition at KOTE featuring over 500 artists

The Hechyeomoyeo (HCMY) recently concluded its 18th mass exhibition at KOTE, a central location in Seoul's Insa-dong district. The opening event on Wednesday was a vibrant affair, with music, live drawing, face painting, clowns, and flash tattoos drawing art enthusiasts from across the globe. The event took place on all five floors of the aging KOTE building, as well as the roof and basement.

Neil Wheelock Deforest Smith, the American artist who founded HCMY, expressed his approach as simple: "If someone tells me they have a creative skill to share, I try to find a place for them in the event." Established as an independent art initiative in Korea, HCMY has evolved into an international community, connecting hundreds of creators from various continents.

Despite its global presence, the organization remains deeply rooted in its Korean origins. According to Smith, approximately 65 percent of the participants at HCMY's Korean exhibitions are Korean nationals, while 20 to 30 percent are foreign residents, with the remaining artists representing international communities.