Jemma Byun

Biography

Jemma Byun (b. 1996, South Korea) lives and works in Boston, MA. She received her B.F.A from Korea University and is currently an M.F.A candidate at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University. Jemma participated in Emerging Artists at the Scollay Square Gallery in Boston City Hall, the Boston Young Contemporaries 2025 exhibition, and a group show at Gallery 263. Her work has also been included in exhibitions at Kangmul Art Space and the Korea University Museum in Seoul, South Korea.

Artist Statement

My work explores the invisible forces that shape our inner selves. Emotions, tensions, and energies cannot always be seen, but they are constantly moving within us. Moments of pain or intensity sometimes bring an unusual clarity to the mind, leaving only the body that experiences the present moment. These states of heightened awareness influence the way I think about perception and consciousness.

I am interested in creating images that allow viewers to slow down and remain in the present. Ambiguity is the opening for my work, the invitation for the viewer to bring their own experiences into the work. Ultimately, I want my work to create a space where people feel comfortable removing their social masks and encountering their own inner states.