Colorful sculptures with fibers and textiles by woo jin joo in a vibrant gallery space, creating mythical forms.

Woo Jin Joo Transforms Found Objects into Mythical Sculptures with Vibrant Fibers in London

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Written by Sam Johnson

2026-10-09

Woo Jin Joo, a Seoul-born artist residing in London, crafts enchanting sculptures from discarded objects. Her unique creations often fuse animal forms with household furniture, discovered serendipitously on her walks around the city.

Exploring the Art of Woo Jin Joo

Using materials such as clay and lustrous viscose thread, Joo’s works include human-sized figures clad in fringed costumes. These sculptures, blending white and beige hues, lean nonchalantly against walls, as if inviting interaction.

Sculpture combining old socks and embroidery on a steel rod, titled 'A Long Long Time Ago'.
“A Long Long Time Ago” (2022), viscose thread embroidery, old socks, textiles, wadding, and stainless steel rod, 120 x 60 x 45 centimeters

Her installations explore the boundaries of perception, invoking mythology and folklore to uncover hidden layers of understanding. She emphasizes that even the simplest interactions can yield significant transformation, attributing her cross-cultural upbringing to her fluid artistic approach.

For another intriguing take on transforming found objects, explore how innovative footwear from tennis balls merges sustainability with creativity.

The artist appreciates the history of found objects, stating, “I imagine and build meaning from an object’s past.” Her artworks often reach her own height, compelling viewers to engage with them intimately, provoking a sense of wonder at their substantial presence.

The current exhibition, “Bodily Inbetweenness,” is showcased at Ruup & Form in London until November 13. This sculpture transformation is a testament to her ability to captivate audiences. Her evocative work will also feature at the Harley Foundation in Nottinghamshire in early 2027. Follow her journey through her Instagram to explore more of her fascinating practice.

Viscose thread embroidered suede boots attached to stainless steel rod, titled 'For Those Who Wade'.
“For Those Who Wade” (2025), viscose thread embroidery, suede boots, and stainless steel rod, 190 x 100 x 16 centimeters. Image courtesy ai. gallery, London
Embroidery on textiles forms a small whimsical sculpture, titled 'Dusk Dokkaebi'.
“Dusk Dokkaebi” (2022), viscose thread embroidery, textiles, and wire, 23 x 32 x 23 cetimeters
Sculpture combining embroidery, a wooden table, and ceramic, titled 'Murmur'.
“Murmur” (2025), viscose thread embroidery, a wooden table, and ceramic, 160 x 35 x 27 centimeters. Image courtesy of ai. gallery, London
Panels of viscose thread embroidery framed in wood, titled 'Oneiric Vessel'.
“Oneiric Vessel” (2025), viscose thread embroidery and wood frame, 182 x 60 x 4 centimeters (each panel). Image courtesy of ai. gallery, London
Compact sculpture with embroidery on ceramic, titled 'Shivers, Quivers and Silence'.
“Shivers, Quivers and Silence” (2026), viscose thread embroidery and ceramic, 17 x 21 centimeters. Image courtesy ai. gallery, London
Gallery view featuring colorful textile sculptures from 'Bodily Inbetweenness' installation.
Installation view of ‘Bodily Inbetweenness” (2026). Photo by Robert Chadwick, courtesy of Ruup & Form
Portrait of artist Woo Jin Joo standing beside sculptures in gallery exhibition, 'Bodily Inbetweenness'.
Portrait of the artist at ‘Bodily Inbetweenness’ (2026). Photo by Angus Cooke, courtesy of Ruup & Form
Colorful sculptures with fibers and textiles by woo jin joo in a vibrant gallery space, creating mythical forms.

Source: thisiscolossal.com

Frequently asked questions

What materials does Woo Jin Joo use for her sculptures?

Woo Jin Joo uses materials such as clay and lustrous viscose thread to create her sculptures.

Where is Woo Jin Joo’s current exhibition?

The current exhibition, “Bodily Inbetweenness,” is showcased at Ruup & Form in London until November 13.

What themes does Woo Jin Joo’s work explore?

Woo Jin Joo’s installations explore the boundaries of perception, invoking mythology and folklore to uncover hidden layers of understanding.