Michael Hong
Abstract
Hand-flavor, phrase, son-maat (손맛), embodies a flavor that defies description. Its origin lies in love, crafted with affection for those cherished individuals. Most significantly, hand-flavor becomes a defining aspect of one’s identity/personalized essence. Michael Hong delves into the evolution of his hand-flavor through his research. By interweaving materials emblematic of a South Korean household, he investigates the intricacies of his relationships from the familial to everything within the sphere of his life in Koreatown, Los Angeles.
A tall ambiguous statue made of aluminum foil. At the bottom there are rice bags that the figure is sticking out of.
Michael Hong, 큰 손, (Big-Hand), 2024. Stoneware, aluminum silver leaf, rice bag, 25" x 17" x 72”. Photo: Jacob Chung.
An ambiguous tall brown statue. It is standing on top of a yellow table.
Michael Hong, 식탁에서 먹어 (Eat at the Table), 2024. Epoxy resin, soy sauce, garlic, acrylic sheet, yarn, wood,  24" x 24" x 73”. Photo: Jacob Chung.
A tall ambiguous red statue. It is standing in a red rubber pot.
Michael Hong, Playing/Working, 2024. Stoneware, pepper flakes (import of Korea), rubber tub, 30"x 30" x 73". Photo: Jacob Chung.
A brown tall statue in the shape of an 'A'. There are pink and yellow flowers adorning it and is standing on top of styrofoam plates..
Michael Hong, Sunday Christian, 2024. Stoneware, epoxy resin, scrubby yarn, styrofoam plates, 23" x 19" x 73”. Photo: Jacob Chung.
A statue in the shape of an "H". There are colorful gloves and other fabric hanging from the top. It is standing on top of a square of green artificial grass.
Michael Hong, At What Cost/만세 (Hooray), 2024. Stoneware, working gloves, cotton gloves, artificial grass, repurposed fabric, 2024, 20"x 11"x 67”. Photo: Jacob Chung.
A tall gold-tan statue standing on a small table on top of a wood panel.
Michael Hong, 뭘 했다고 쉬어? (What Did you Do to Deserve Rest?), 2024. Stoneware, epoxy resin, cucumbers, table, vinyl, cardboard2024, 56" x 56" x 73”. Photo: Jacob Chung.
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Committee
Whitney Lynn, Chair
Victoria Jang
Andrew Fallat
Education
MFA, 3D4M, University of Washington,
Seattle, WA, 2024

MA, Ceramics, California State University,
Northridge, CA, 2022

BFA, Fine Arts, University of Southern California,
Los Angeles, CA, 2021
Contact
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Awards + Accomplishments
2023, Gonzales Graduate Student Scholarship for Excellence, University of Washington
2023, Juror, 42nd Korea Daily Student Art Contest, Los Angeles, CA
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