From 1 March to 31 August 2025 | Kunsthal Rotterdam will present Leap Year, the first major retrospective of South Korean artist Haegue Yang in the Netherlands. This multidisciplinary exhibition spans three decades of work, including installations, video, and sound art.
A retrospective of migration, identity, and culture
From 1 March to 31 August 2025, Kunsthal Rotterdam will host Leap Year, a retrospective exhibition showcasing the works of Haegue Yang, an internationally acclaimed artist from South Korea. Known for her innovative use of everyday objects and materials, Yang’s work merges modernism, folk traditions, and contemporary themes, offering an evocative exploration of identity, migration, and cultural exchange.
The exhibition marks a significant milestone as the first major presentation of Yang’s work in the Netherlands. Spanning three decades of creative practice, Leap Year invites visitors to experience the artist’s multisensory installations, including the interplay of sound, video, and sculpture.
Artist talk with Haegue Yang to be held at Kunsthal
An artist talk featuring internationally exhibited South Korean artist Haegue Yang will take place at Kunsthal Rotterdam on Friday 13 June. The talk is being held in collaboration with the Piet Zwart Institute’s Master Studies in Art, Design and Art Education, and will be moderated by Danny Giles, the current Course Director of the Master of Fine Art programme. The artist talk is scheduled to begin at 15:30, with doors opening at 15:00. Tickets grant access not only to the talk but also to the full range of exhibitions currently on view at Kunsthal Rotterdam. Reduced admission is available for students and passholders.
Highlights of the exhibition
Central to Yang’s artistic practice is the transformation of mundane materials into poetic and thought-provoking installations. Objects such as Venetian blinds, bells, and fans are reimagined to create immersive environments. Her works are celebrated for their ability to weave complex narratives, connecting personal histories with larger societal themes.
Leap Year features several key works from Yang’s career, including some of her iconic installations inspired by folk art and cultural symbolism. Visitors can expect an engaging sensory journey as Yang blends traditional and modern artistic influences, challenging perceptions of materiality and meaning.
About Haegue Yang
Haegue Yang has established herself as one of the leading figures in contemporary art, with a career that spans multiple mediums including sculpture, photography, video, and sound art. Born in Seoul in 1971, she has exhibited internationally, with her works appearing at prestigious institutions such as the Tate Modern in London and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Yang’s art often addresses themes of displacement, alienation, and belonging, reflecting her experiences of living and working across different cultural contexts. Her innovative approach to materials and her ability to imbue everyday objects with profound significance have earned her widespread recognition.
An international collaboration
The exhibition at Kunsthal Rotterdam is part of a collaborative effort with London’s Hayward Gallery and Zurich’s Migros Museum. By bringing together Yang’s most significant works, Leap Year offers Dutch audiences a comprehensive insight into her artistic journey and the themes that drive her practice.
Visiting Kunsthal Rotterdam
The exhibition will take place in Hall 2 of Kunsthal Rotterdam, situated in the heart of Museumpark. The museum’s central location makes it easily accessible by public transport, with the Eendrachtsplein metro station nearby. For those driving, parking is available at Museumpark Garage.
The Museumpark area is also home to other cultural institutions, making it an ideal destination for a full day of art and exploration.
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