A sculptor from Korea, Bum Joo Jeon has dreamed of exhibiting his artwork in Manhattan for most of his adult life. After completing his bachelor's degree at Mokwon University in Daejeon, Bum Joo found himself bored with the Korean traditional study of the human figure and was eager to pursue his dream of showing his work in New York City. He decided that studying contemporary sculpture at SUNY New Paltz was the place to begin.

At New Paltz, Bum Joo has studied both art and English as a Second Language as well as worked as a graduate assistant, teaching introductory sculpture courses. Since his arrival, his work has been shown in exhibitions in Korea, on-campus at the New Paltz Student Art Gallery, and, fulfilling his dream, in various galleries throughout New York. Most recently he was awarded "Outstanding Student Achievement in Contemporary Sculpture" by the International Sculpture Center and showcased in the organization's exhibition as well as its monthly magazine, Sculpture.

Bum Joo's work centers around ideas of injustice, violence, war and political conditions. To him, it is a reflection of personal politics and tragedies, something he and his family have experienced as a result of the 1948 split of one Korea into two separate nations; a split that left his family divided in two separate countries. Using his artwork, Bum Joo aims to help people identify with others and help them recognize the existence of a universal culture.

Why New Paltz? New Paltz was Bum Joo's key to the city; an affordable school near Manhattan that would allow him to explore his dreams.

Interests: reading, listening to jazz, and enjoying nature

Goals: To be a good artist, not great or famous, but one that he can be proud of.

Influences: Artist, Alfredo Jaar and sculptor, Kathe Kollwitz