Art Center Nabi Reopens with 'A Pregnant Pause' Exhibition

by Yoon Juhye Posted : June 11, 2026, 18:03Updated : June 11, 2026, 18:03
Noh So-young, director of Art Center Nabi, speaks at the opening ceremony of 'A Pregnant Pause' on June 11 in Seoul.
Noh So-young, director of Art Center Nabi, speaks at the opening ceremony of 'A Pregnant Pause' on June 11 in Seoul. [Photo by Yoon Joo-hye]

"A butterfly has flown here," Noh So-young, director of Art Center Nabi, stated at the opening ceremony of the reopening exhibition 'A Pregnant Pause' held on June 11 in the new space located in Sagandong, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
At the event, attended by dozens of art community members, Noh expressed her excitement about the reopening, saying, "We are preparing to settle in and explore new intersections of art, technology, nature, and humanity."
Referring to the exhibition's title, 'A Pregnant Pause,' she noted, "To create a delicious meal, one needs time to let it rest. Great things cannot happen instantly." She added, "I believe that time, patience, and a pause are essential, making 'A Pregnant Pause' a relevant theme for our era. This will prompt us to reconsider the role of art in an age dominated by AI, where everything is at our fingertips."
Noh also emphasized the importance of supporting and sharing with active creators, expressing gratitude for the community's support.
Established in 2000, Art Center Nabi is Korea's first media art institution. It has previously been located in the SK Group's headquarters, the Seorin Building. Following the confirmation of her divorce from SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, the center has relocated to a standalone building in Sagandong, marking a new chapter in its 26-year history.
In a press release prior to the event, Noh highlighted the 'next chapter,' stating, "This moment, closing a 26-year period and reopening in Sagandong, is a time for the next chapter to grow from within, still revealing its form." She elaborated that the 'embryonic vitality' found in the works of artist Han Jin-soo, who explores the slow fermentation of time between machines and nature, resonates deeply with the moment of reopening.
The new space operates as a self-sustaining environment, allowing Art Center Nabi to further enhance its unique identity. It aims to unfold as a future-oriented cultural platform where technology, nature, art, and urban environments intersect.
Exhibition view of Han Jin-soo's solo show 'A Pregnant Pause,' featuring the work 'White Pond.'
Exhibition view of Han Jin-soo's solo show 'A Pregnant Pause,' featuring the work 'White Pond.' [Photo by Yoon Joo-hye]

The exhibition 'A Pregnant Pause' showcases constant transformation. Soap bubbles float on a white background, while small feather brushes move busily, creating different forms moment by moment. The process of breaking and refilling continues, moving forward without pause.
At the opening ceremony, Han Jin-soo explained, "My works do not progress with a clear purpose or outcome. They create opportunities for each viewer to express their unique stories." He encouraged attendees to take the time to experience their individuality and find their own 'pregnant pause.'
The exhibition runs from June 12 to August 1.
Exhibition view of Han Jin-soo's solo show 'A Pregnant Pause,' featuring the work 'Flower of Uncertainty.'
Exhibition view of Han Jin-soo's solo show 'A Pregnant Pause,' featuring the work 'Flower of Uncertainty.' [Photo by Yoon Joo-hye]




* This article has been translated by AI.