2008.12.5
Many remember William Blake (1757-1827) as one of the leading poets of the Romantic period. Not many know that he was actually an artist before becoming a poet.
Museum of Art Seoul National University in Sillim-dong spotlights Blake's artistic side and his influence on British culture for the first time in Korea. In the exhibition "Blake's Shadow: William Blake and his Artistic Legacy," 62 pieces of Blake's, his contemporaries' and those he influenced are displayed.
After the Tate Gallery in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York held exhibitions on Blake's art in 2000 and 2001, his artwork became more popular.
"It was a hit, people loved to discover Blake's unveiled talents," Baek Hyun-joo, an exhibition guide, told The Korea Herald. "Since those exhibitions, Blake gained an affirmation that he was one of the most effective British artists who gave a preview of the future of British art."
Most of his works can be found in the Whitworth Art Gallery in the University of Manchester. Pieces from the Whitworth were brought here for this show.
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| "The Ancient of Days" by William Blake [Museum of Art Seoul National University] |
Blake's work is mostly illustrations from literature - either his or others'. Penniless at the time, Blake drew illustrations of the work of well-known writers for money. "Blake reflected his romantic and fantastic ideas in his paintings," stated Baek, pointing to "The Ancient of Days," which is the frontispiece to his anthology of poetry "Europe: A Prophecy." A white-haired man reminiscent of the characters in Michelangelo's paintings sits with one knee up.
"He expressed the sacredness of the human body by closely depicting the muscles and expressions. By making a composition of a circle in a square, he offers the viewers a fourfold vision, which can lead to infinite meanings."
Blake has influenced many artists from the Victorian era until now. Fifty-three paintings of 26 artists such as George Frederic Watts from the Victorian era, or Anish Kapoor of the 20th century, who were under Blake's "shadow" are also showcased in the exhibition.
The exhibition runs through Feb. 14 at Museum of Art Seoul National University in southern Seoul but is closed on Mondays. Tickets are 3,000 won. For more information, contact (02) 880-9509 or visit www.snumoa.org
By Park Min-young
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