Drawing on her background in origami and the production of pop-up books, painter and sculptor Jaena Kwon works in abstract mode, and prioritizes structure and texture in her work. In exploring how space is depicted in paintings, she creates compelling monochrome layered objects that are folded, sanded and painted.
Kwon was born and raised in Seoul and holds two MFA degrees. She completed one in 2014 at Yale University, where she majored in painting and printmaking, and the other in 2012 at Seoul National University, where she also earned her bachelor’s degree.
Central to Kwon’s art, regardless of whether she is working with fiberboard, wood, gesso or acrylics, is a careful, deliberate focus on the tactile qualities of the work. In doing so, she adds another dimension, adding a layer of experience and meaning.
Of Kwon’s many exhibitions, most include group and solo shows held in New York City or Seoul. A 2017 residency at MASS MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts, as well as 2012 shows at Amy Simon Fine Art in Connecticut and New Caledonia Hotel Art Fair in Noumea are among some exceptions. The Woosuk Exhibition Hall at Seoul National University has featured Kwon twice in back-to-back group shows in 2010 and 2011, and she was also a participant in 2017’s “Passion. Connected. 100 x 100” at the Korean Cultural Center of New York.
Kwon has won numerous awards including a Teaching Assistant Fellowship in 2011 from Seoul National University. She also won the Carol Schlosberg Memorial Prize from Yale University and the Boston Young Contemporaries RGH Prize, both in 2014.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of Jaena Kwon paintings and sculptures.
To the Left
By Jaena Kwon
Located in Westport, CT
This piece is by Korean artist, Jaena Kwon. Her dimensional relief work is concerned with painting components and how painting space is constructed. She treats painting as an image o...
Acrylic, Fiberboard
Organza Fold
By Jaena Kwon
Located in Westport, CT
This purple/lavender piece is by Korean artist, Jaena Kwon. Her dimensional relief work is concerned with painting components and how painting space is constructed. She treats painti...
Acrylic, Fiberboard
Berkshire Blue
By Jaena Kwon
Located in Westport, CT
This blue work is by Korean artist, Jaena Kwon. Her dimensional relief work is concerned with painting components and how painting space is constructed. She treats painting as an ima...
Acrylic, Fiberboard
$3,700
H 30 in W 30 in D 1.5 in
Mnemonic Rhythm (Bright, Multicolored Textile Inspired Abstract Wall Sculpture)
By Susan Stover
Located in Hudson, NY
Mnemonic Rhythm (Bright, Multicolored Textile Inspired Abstract Wall Sculpture), made by Susan Stover in 2025 wood, oil paint, varnish, waxed linen thread 30 x 30 inches Lightweight,...
Thread, Wood, Oil, Acrylic, Cardboard
$1,720Sale Price|20% Off
H 36 in W 36 in D 3 in
"Taddington" - Abstract Earthtone Patterned Wall Sculpture
Located in Soquel, CA
Paisley and floral patterned wall sculpture by Jessica Godisak (American, b. 1977). This dimensional piece is constructed of several wood forms joined together. There is empty space ...
Wood, Acrylic, Fiberboard, Cardboard, Lacquer
$3,000
H 33 in W 46.5 in D 2 in
Pink Punk: large abstract geometric wall sculpture painting on shaped wood panel
Located in Bryn Mawr, PA
"Pink Punk" is a large, acrylic painting / wall sculpture on a flat, shaped wooden panel. It is attached to the wall on two wooden cleats and projects 1.5" from the wall, creating a ...
Acrylic, Wood Panel
$4,600
H 24 in W 38 in D 4 in
Over & About: Abstract Geometric Wood Wall Sculpture in Grey, Light Blue, Beige
By Stephen Walling
Located in Hudson, NY
Abstract geometric three-dimensional wood wall sculpture in pale grey, light blue, light taupe, and beige, with accents of stormy blue "In, Out, Over, and About", hand-carved woode...
Wood, Dye, Acrylic, Wood Panel
"Wandering Around" Abstract Diptych Painting
By Teodora Guererra
Located in Westport, CT
This textured abstract diptych by Teodora Guererra features a light blue-green palette with warm yellow accents throughout. The artist layers thick strokes of paint using a palette k...
Acrylic, Board
$455
H 16 in W 16 in
Stylin' - Original Impasto Inspired Colorful Textured Abstract Acrylic Painting
By Shiri Phillips
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Impasto-painted strokes of bright colors are the framework of artist Shiri Phillips’ abstract artworks. Her paintings are flooded with texture through the layering of acrylic paint i...
Canvas, Glitter, Acrylic
$9,000
H 23 in W 30 in D 3 in
3-part painting construction by Black African American artist, w/ found objects
By Richard J. Watson
Located in Bryn Mawr, PA
This is an 3-part painting / construction (assemblage) created from acrylic paint, wood, glass, and found objects. It includes several historic photograph of figures as well as many scenes from Black African American cultural history. Each piece measures 23" x 7.75" x 2.5", and they can be hung close together or far apart, depending on the buyer's preference. All pieces are wired with the appropriate hanging hardware and are ready to install, no additional framing needed. PROVENANCE: Exhibited in "Portals + Revelations: Richard J. Watson," the African American Museum in Philadelphia, Oct 2021 - Mar 2022. "Most of my works are supported by memories of the past and suggested realities. Issues of social politics, ancestral references, and astral projections are presented with fragmented elements of 'real life' collaged and collapsed, as dreams are prone to do. If connections are made, all the better. I feel that life should remind us of our dreams." - Richard J. Watson Richard J. Watson is an icon in the Philadelphia art world. Much of his work relates to his experiences as a Black African American man. He is a graduate of Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (1968), has taught at his alma mater, and has served in the Exhibitions Department at the African American Museum in Philadelphia since the 1980s. He has been exhibiting his work for decades, and has an extensive bibliography. His work is held in the Petrucci Family Foundation Collection of African American Art; the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts; the Uniworld Corporation; Sony; the Federal Reserve Bank; the City of Philadelphia; Sprint; the Church of the Advocate; the poet Dr. Sonia Sanchez; and the Woodmere Museum...
Found Objects, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Glass, Wood
$3,900
H 24 in W 48 in D 2 in
"Plum Neutral I & II " A Pair of Textured Abstract Paintings
By Teodora Guererra
Located in Westport, CT
This pair of textured abstract paintings by Teodora Guererra features a light, greyscale palette with subtle warm accents throughout the composition. The artist layers thick strokes ...
Acrylic, Board
$12,000
H 40 in W 40 in
"Patriot", Abstract, Acrylic Painting on Aluminum Panel by Kevin Barrett
By Kevin Barrett
Located in New York, NY
"Patriot" by Kevin Barrett Epoxy, acrylic, and urethane on aluminum Barrett is noted for creating unique, rhythmic, abstract indoor and outdoor sculpture and wall reliefs. Painting...
Metal
$10,000
H 36 in W 36 in
"Presto", Colorful, Abstract Painting on Aluminum Panel by Kevin Barrett
By Kevin Barrett
Located in New York, NY
"Presto" by Kevin Barrett Epoxy, acrylic, and urethane on carved aluminum panel Barrett is noted for creating unique, rhythmic, abstract indoor and outdoor sculpture and wall relief...
Metal
$2,000
H 24 in W 14 in D 6 in
Biography of a Drive-By: wall sculpture by Black African-American artist
By Richard J. Watson
Located in Bryn Mawr, PA
This is a two-part wall mounted painting / sculpture this integrates found objects and photographs into an acrylic painting on the top, and a wooden shelf with bullet casings and coins below. This is a conceptual, abstract work of art that is a powerful homage to lives lost through calculated gun violence in American cites. signed by the artist. PROVENANCE: Exhibited in "Portals + Revelations: Richard J. Watson," the African American Museum in Philadelphia, Oct 2021 - Mar 2022. "Most of my works are supported by memories of the past and suggested realities. Issues of social politics, ancestral references, and astral projections are presented with fragmented elements...
Acrylic, Panel, Found Objects, Mixed Media
$8,950
H 31 in W 12 in D 9 in
3D wall sculpture / painting, contemporary abstract African mask by Black artist
By Claes Gabriel
Located in Bryn Mawr, PA
"Inner Glow" is an acrylic on shaped canvas painting stretched over a wooden armature creating a 3D wall sculpture. With this majestic figure adorned in radiant color, artist Claes G...
Canvas, Acrylic
Tear #2 - Commission
By Jaena Kwon
Located in Westport, CT
This is a commission. Specific color to be confirmed. This gray relief work is by Korean artist, Jaena Kwon. Kwon's work is concerned with painting components and how painting spa...
Acrylic, Fiberboard
Variation of Sharp #2 - Commission
By Jaena Kwon
Located in Westport, CT
This is a commission. This gray relief work is by Korean artist, Jaena Kwon. Kwon's work is concerned with painting components and how painting space is constructed. She treats p...
Acrylic, Fiberboard
Crane
By Jaena Kwon
Located in Westport, CT
This red relief work is by Korean artist, Jaena Kwon. I Kwon's work is concerned with painting components and how painting space is constructed. She treats painting as an image obje...
Acrylic, Fiberboard