As told to Jeannette Batz Cooperman
Photograph by Mark Gilliland
He remembers the Jeep ride to the Seoul airport when he was 7, bouncing next to his twin brother, both excited beyond words. His next memory? “Television. Lots of television. The Munsters, The Flying Nun, Gilligan’s Island—all the shows that taught me English and shaped my interest in popular culture.” Ha’s mother, a physician, emigrated so that her sons would be well educated. Ha now directs the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, mentoring young artists all over the country. He still loves adventure. And airports.
What I don’t want anyone to know? That I’m extremely shy.
I tell myself, “You know what? This is your job—so get in there.”
I believe unshakably in the power of art—if you let your guard down.
I grew up at a very young age. I can point to a moment when I thought I could help someone. That’s when I grew up.
Everyone I come into contact with is passionate about something—and for some reason they want to tell me about it.
I started out studying architecture. I was overcaffeinated, jittery and angry, and the art students were having all the fun—openings, parties, luaus.
I’m always looking, always subconsciously aware of trends or what’s going to become the trend.
Contemporary art is something that is always being created. If you stop looking now, it’s already old news.
Not everything we show will end up in an art museum. We are letting you experience the currency of art. This is the idea that is pushing the next idea, and you are part of it.
The hot topic in visual arts is collaboration. The ’60s hippieness is creeping back.
In the art world, everything happens through reactions.
When something makes you passionate, then you are living.
Money will always come. Money follows passion.
Bullies anger me. So do people who are not passionate.
I find that there is calm after chaos—but I don’t know if I want to be calm.
I don’t want to be around people who are indifferent, who have given up.
I dread not being able to make people proud who trust me.
Anything that’s hyped disappoints.
I want to be the type of friend people aren’t afraid to call when they get a flat tire in the middle of the night.
We were in the arts in New York; we had our children very late. I never realized I could love something so much.
Above all, I wish I had more time with my wife and children. I’d just lounge around with them; we’d be in our pajamas all day.
If you want to matter, you have to deliver. You have to be honest with yourself. You have to keep promises. And you have to forgive.
To become wise, you need the ability to accept things.
Hard work, loyalty and honesty are what ground us.
I like underdogs. I like rooting for the smaller guys.
Surround yourself with people who are fun, who are critical of you in a constructive way, who make you more competitive.
What I’d tell my 7-year-old self? “It’s gonna be OK. It’s gonna be better than you can imagine.”
