The Smithsonian Institution
One of the most significant milestones in Byun Shi-ji's career was the selection of two of his masterpieces, The Yellow Sea and Man on a Pony, for the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. This recognition solidified his place as a pioneer of K-Modernism on the world stage.
Curators and critics worldwide have praised his unique ability to blend the traditional aesthetics of the East with the bold, expressive energy of Western modern art. His work is celebrated for its deep existential resonance and its raw, honest portrayal of the human condition against the backdrop of Jeju's primeval nature.
Beyond the United States, his works have been featured in major international art fairs and galleries, continuing to inspire a global audience with the "Byun Shi-ji Yellow" and the eternal light of the island.