Challenging journeys: Contemporary Korean artists and some possible implications for education through art

Abstract

The growing social need for a creative workforce in Korea has prompted teachers to look to the arts for innovative classroom practices. While a growing body of integrated curriculum studies acknowledges art and artists as valuable sources for alternative ways of knowing, a lack of comprehensive information on what shapes the practices of today’s artists limits ongoing discussion. This article aims to extend teachers’ current thinking on the potential role of art in educational innovation by exploring the growth of creative individuals in the art world, examining the diverse paths to artistic growth of three promising contemporary Korean artists. Withincase analysis provides insights into how these artists have navigated their individual paths while interacting with their surroundings, and contextual analysis of their major transitions highlights the value of risk-taking in promoting creative educational practice through art.