Hi! I’m Hyunju Blemel
(Pronounced Hyeon-joo Bleh-muhl)
I am a second-generation Korean American raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and I started taking photos at a young age as a creative hobby. Soon, I was carrying a camera with me at all times and capturing every possible moment I could—using my friends and family as subjects, or capturing the natural beauty of our enchanting desert landscapes.
I attended The University of New Mexico and graduated with a degree in Integrated Studies, with a focus in Marketing & Communications. During my time there, I worked for several private, state, and university organizations doing graphic design, print design, social media marketing, and of course, photography! My work has been featured in Scribendi magazine and Conceptions Southwest magazine and has been exhibited at various galleries at The University of New Mexico, the Albuquerque Museum, and more. Below you can find an extensive portfolio of all my professional work.
After graduating, I was a full-time content creator for Dion’s Pizza. These days, I'm back at UNM as a Marketing Representative for University Communication & Marketing! Photography is more than just a side gig for me, though. I love photography because I love meeting new people, getting to know them, and capturing their joy.
When I’m not taking photos or eating pizza, I enjoy backpacking, camping, and exploring.
Thanks for stopping by! I look forward to meeting and learning more about you.
Hyunju Blemel Photography is a US Government Small Business Administration (SBA) program certified Economically Disadvantaged Woman Owned Small Business and 8(a) Minority-Owned Small Business.
Awards
2023
- Hermes Creative Awards (International Competition)
- Hyunju Blemel & Benjamin Thorp: Platinum in Print Media, Photography, Event and Lifestyle Photography – The Lobo Life Photography Series
- Jon Sanchez, Josiah Garza, Hyunju Blemel: Honorable Mention in Print Media Design, Illustration/Graphic Design – Lobo Day 2022
- Honorable Mention in Print Media, Photography, Advertising – UNM Brand Photography Series
- University & College Designers Association (Competition Among Schools & Colleges in the U.S. & Canada)
- Excellence in Student Life Photography Series – Silent Lights Photography Series
- Excellence in Student Life Photography Series – Balloon Fiesta Photography Series
- Hyunju Blemel & Benjamin Thorp: Honorable Mention in Student Life Photography Series – Red Rally Photography Series
- Honorable Mention in Student Life Photography Series – Student Health & Counseling Photography Series
- Honorable Mention in Student Life Photography Series – UNM Branded Event Photography Series
- Honorable Mention in Student Life Photography Series – Kamala Harris Visit to UNM
2022
- Albuquerque Business First, Inno Under 25, Innovation Award
- MarComm Awards (International Competition)
- Hyunju Blemel & Benjamin Thorp: Gold in Print Media Photography, Advertising, Red Rally Photo Series
2020
- Western Regional Honors Council Photography Award
- UNM Honors College Outstanding Senior Award
2019
- New Mexico State Parks Partnership of the Year (UNM's The Lobo Life project lead & point of contact)
- UNM Student Employee of the Year finalist (top 3)
- UNM Leadership and Involvement Award
2016
- Congresswoman Lujan-Grisham’s Congressional Art Competition Juror’s Choice
- City of Albuquerque Public Permanent Art Collection Purchase Award
- APS Metro Youth Art Exhibit, mixed media, Elements of Design, first place
- APS Metro Youth Art Exhibit, digital photography, Yo, second place
- APS Metro Youth Art Exhibit, digital special techniques, Hotel Lines, honorable mention
- APS Metro Youth Art Exhibit, digital special techniques, Railyard Fantasma, honorable mention
- APS Metro Youth Art Exhibit, digital special techniques, Rust, honorable mention
- Scholastic Art and Writing Regional Art Competition, digital art, Railyard Fantasma, digital art gold key award winner, American Visions & Voices Nominee best of show.
- Scholastic Art and Writing Regional Art Competition, digital art, Hotel Lines, digital art silver key award winner
- Scholastic Art and Writing Regional Art Competition, digital art, Surrealismo, digital art honorable mention
2015
- International Robotic Sailing Regatta One Meter First Place (Newfoundland, CAN). Designed and programmed an unmanned autonomous robotic sailboat
- Scholastic Art and Writing Regional Art Competition, photography, Texture Dyptich, photography gold key award winner
2014
- APS Metro Youth Art Exhibit, silver photography, Lumen Print, first place
Publications
View the published research paper here: Improved Fish Tagging Technology: Field Test Results & Analysis
Page 57. 삼세대: 자화상 Samsedae: Jahwasang (Three Generations: Self-Portrait). Pigment Pigment print on archival fabric with wooden dowel, 47’' x 24’’, 2020.
Page 69 (right). 웅녀춤: 자화상 Ungnyeo Chūm: Jahwasang (Bear Woman Dance: Self Portrait). Pigment print on archival paper, 2020.
Page 48 & 49. 호랑이 1998: 자화상 Horangi 1998: Jahwasang (Tiger 1998: Self Portrait). Pigment print on archival paper, 13’’ x 19’’, 2020.
Page 2 (right). 기억아, 네가 필요해: 자화상 Gieogah, nega pilyohae: Jahwasang (Memory, I need you: Self Portrait). Pigment print on archival paper, 13’’ x 19’’, 2020.
Page 60 (left). Emma. Pigment print on archival paper, 2020.
Page 38 (left). Welcome Home. Pigment print on archival paper, 2019.
Page 66 (left). Sky Conquered. Pigment print on archival paper, 2019.
Solo Exhibitions
2019
Pieces, The University of New Mexico, Spectra Gallery, Albuquerque, NM, 2019.
2017- Present
Invisible Labor, Kitch Cleaners, Albuquerque, NM, 2017- (ongoing).
Group Exhibitions
2022
Alumni Homecoming Exhibition, Modern Dirndl, The University of New Mexico, Spectra Gallery, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 2022
2021
Washington and Lee University, Staniar Gallery, Lexington, Virginia, October 4 - November 3, 2021
Boston University, The Faye G., Jo, and James Stone Gallery, Boston, Massachusetts, June 1 - September 17, 2021
University of Arkansas, sUgAR Gallery, Fayetteville, Arkansas
2020
PhotoNOLA, THE FRONT Gallery, New Orleans, Louisiana, Dec. 12-Jan. 3, 2021
Texas Christian University, The Mary Couts Burnett Library, Fort Worth, Texas Oct-Nov.
Old Dominion University, Gordon Art Galleries, Norfolk, Virginia, Oct. 14-Nov. 6
Eleanor Wilson Museum, Hollins University, Roanoke, Virginia, October 23
Truman State University, Kirksville, Missouri, October 29
Colorado Photographic Arts Center, Denver, Colorado October 9-November 21
Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, August 26-29
The University of New Mexico, Spectra Gallery, Albuquerque, New Mexico, August 18-Oct. 30
2019
These Systems Are Not Static: Land Arts of the American West, The University of New Mexico, John Sommers Gallery, Albuquerque, NM, 2019.
Dia De Los Muertos, The University of New Mexico, Masley Gallery, Albuquerque, NM, 2019.
2018
For Freedoms, The University of New Mexico Art Museum, Albuquerque, NM, 2018.
2017
Arts Unexpected, The University of New Mexico, John Sommers Gallery, Albuquerque, NM, 2017.
2015
Focus on Youth, Albuquerque Museum, Albuquerque, NM, 2015.
Conference Presentations
Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) D4 Conference (<- these are hyperlinked if you want to learn more about the organizations!)
2020: Dallas, TX
- Social for Students by Students: Letting Students Build Their Own Online Presence (UNM's @TheLoboLife)
- Note: The UNM Social Media Manager presented in person and I video conferenced from Albuquerque, NM
2019: Marseille, France
- Improved Fish Tagging Technology: Field Test Results and Analysis
- Note: The link to the research paper is below under the "Publications" section
Western Regional Honors Council Conference
2019: Bozeman, MT
- Scribendi Regional Release
- Marketing our Honors Program Using Adobe Products
- Part I: What Makes an Engaging Honors Newsletter
- Part II: Designing an Honors Newsletter Using Adobe InDesign
2018: Orange, CA
- Scribendi Regional Release
National Collegiate Honors Council Conference
2018: Boston, MA
- Idea Exchange: Scribendi
LET'S GET STARTED! YOUR STORY STARTS HERE.
I would love to collaborate with you! Please fill out the form below so we can start capturing your memories!