A sculpture collapsed during an exhibition opening at Space One, a New York art venue operated by Hanwha Cultural Foundation, injuring several visitors who were transported to the emergency room.
According to multiple art industry sources in Korea and abroad, a visitor's carelessness caused a roughly 4-meter-tall installation to collapse on January 20 (local time) during the opening reception for Korean American artist Michael Joo's solo exhibition at Space One in Tribeca, New York.
The damaged work was "Saltiness of Greatness," one of the artist's early signature pieces. The installation features compressed salt blocks stacked high, with saline solution—simulating artificial sweat—dripping from a shelf above. No physical barriers restricted access to the work; only a white safety line was marked on the floor.
When the sculpture collapsed, the rock-hard compressed salt blocks fell and shattered, causing injuries. Four injured visitors were transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital. Korean artist A sustained a hairline fracture in the toe after part of the work fell on the foot. Gallerist B, who accompanied the artist, and curator C, also a professor at a local New York university, were also injured. University professor D, a board member of Hanwha Cultural Foundation, received treatment for abrasions in the emergency room. Photos from the incident are circulating on social media, with video footage shot by an American artist garnering over 70,000 views.
The exhibition marked renowned contemporary artist Michael Joo's first solo show in New York in nine years, drawing larger-than-expected crowds. While barriers or stanchions are typically installed to protect artworks and visitors, Joo is known to prefer allowing audiences to experience his works up close without such restrictions, prioritizing immersive viewing experiences. Though the damaged piece has been exhibited multiple times since its 1992 debut, this marks the first time it has been destroyed due to visitor carelessness.
The accident occurred at approximately 7:58 p.m., near the end of the opening reception that began at 6 p.m. The organizers reportedly proceeded with the scheduled after-party following the reception.
A Hanwha Cultural Foundation spokesperson said, "We regret that some visitors sustained minor injuries due to an unexpected incident during the opening. We took immediate action on site and are currently reviewing the situation according to relevant procedures." The spokesperson added, "The exhibition will resume operations once the artwork's condition has been assessed and restoration is complete."
The foundation also noted, "The exhibition itself has received considerable local interest and positive reviews. We will re-examine the overall viewing environment and continue to take necessary measures for safer and more stable operations."
Hanwha Cultural Foundation operates the Youngmin Residency in addition to Space One in New York and is preparing to open Centre Pompidou × West Bund Museum Project Seoul.