홍대미술관 첫 기획전 리뷰

Hongdae show blurs line between art, design

“Hongdae,” short for “Hongik Daehagyo” or “Hongik University,” should not only remind one of an area full of clubs and cafés in Seoul. The university is actually home to Korea’s most renowned art school.

“Girl” by Kwak Nam-sin HOMA

But one should not be embarrassed for not knowing this since the university did not even have a proper art museum until last year. Hongik Museum of Art finally opened in October on the second floor of the university’s Hongmungwan building.

Now the university aims to prove to the public, more systematically, how Hongik graduates are at the top of Korean contemporary art through its first special exhibition “Free Style: A Dialogue Between Art and Design.”

“The border between design and fine art is breaking down worldwide. In Korea, however, people are separating them even more, for example, by holding the Seoul ‘Design’ Capital event. We want to show that the two should be combined through exhibitions,” said Cheong Yeon-sim, assistant professor at the department of Art Studies in Hongik University who organized the exhibition.

Divided into two sections, the exhibition features 28 artists -- all quite well-known in Korea and creating works fit for the show’s theme.

“The artists are all Hongik graduates this time as it is the museum’s first special exhibition. But we will be introducing a wider range of artists in the future, said Cheong.

The first section of the show, called “Sans,” which means “without” in French, showcases works that seem to be somewhat empty.

The simple and chic works like Kwak Nam-sin’s painting “Girl” which appears like a photo of a girl’s shadows or Lee Hun-chung’s blunt ceramic stools reflect how the minimalism of the 1960s and 1970s are reinterpreted in contemporary art.

More colorful and decorative works are found at the next section titled “Accretion.”

They often show repetition of units, colors and other methods of creation. Using prints, Jin Bo-ra shows an assortment of colors of women’s cosmetic products like manicures and powders. Kim Joon painted flashy colors onto the photo of human bodies like tattoos while Kil Hyun used a chemical reaction to grow colorful paint crystals that look like moss.

“Exposed Facade” by Jin Bo-ra HOMA

The show gets more interesting when you take a closer look at the artists’ majors, which are written next to the titles, unlike other exhibitions. Visitors can see that most of the artists took a step further from the traditional domains of their majors.

For example, Cha So-lim, who majored in textile art, sewed white thread on to the canvas, making it appear like a text and Kim Byung-joo, who majored in sculpture, made house models out of steel.

“The quest for individual genres is still valid. We have here many artists of different majors. We wrote down their majors because we want to show how the artists can tackle many genres after studying a single major,” said Cheong.

“This is in fact one of the biggest missions of the university. We hope our students can come and see what kind of works their senior colleagues of what majors are doing.”

The exhibition runs through June 18 at Hongik Museum of Art in Hongik University in Sangsu-dong, central Seoul. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 320-3272.

By Park Min-young   (claire@heraldm.com)

잭 피어슨 전시 리뷰

Pierson speaks through thrown-out letters

 

Jack Pierson is a versatile artist who freely explores almost all genres of art from sculpture to photography to video works.

In the U.S., he is best noted as a fashion and celebrity photographer who worked with Naomi Campbell, Snoop Dogg and Brad Pitt. He was recently in charge of the catalogue shootings for six Korean designers’ collections at “Concept Korea -- Fashion Collective 2010” which took place in New York in February.

But he is happy to expand his territories, for example, to curating. He curated a much-talked show in Paul Kasmin Gallery in New York last summer. The exhibition, “The Name of This Show Is Not: Gay Art Now,” included works mainly by artists who identify themselves as gay.

Now the U.S. artist aims to showcase another side of him in Seoul, through his first solo exhibition here titled “Jack Pierson: Night.” It displays the artist’s latest word sculpture series.

“Heartbreak Hotel” by Jack Pierson installed on a Kukje Gallery wall. Kukje Gallery

Words and phrases are spotted on every wall of Kukje Gallery. They are compositions by Pierson, who picked up letters that were thrown out from Las Vegas casinos, old movie marquees and other exhausted businesses and reassembled them.

“From 1984 to 1990 my studio in New York was on the 42nd street, which was a rundown street that represented the old New York. At that time the street was becoming renewed so a lot of letters there were being thrown out and I had access to them,” Pierson told the press on Tuesday.

He collected letters not just from the 42nd street but from all over the country driving his pick-up truck. It was like a pursuit of the faded glamour and stardom in the U.S. He went to every famous rock ‘n’ roll place, including the Flame Show Bar in Detroit, which he reminisced as his favorite place.

The letters which once represented the American dreams of fame and fortune in the form of dazzling sign boards now reflect disillusionment and the artist’s nostalgic sentiments.

“You look at them (the words and phrases) and you can understand them immediately. But within that fast read, I want you to look into the individual letters to get to know each of their story,” said Pierson.

Take “Old Hollywood Movies” for example. He collected the letters from different places, including actual movie marquees.

“When I was young, I wanted to be the person who designed movie credits. The piece is a nod to that. And also, it reflects what Americans say -- you know, people just know what it means when you say ‘It’s like old Hollywood movies,’” said Pierson.

The work “Pola Negri” is his personal favorite.

“Back when Hollywood movies were silent, Pola Negri was a big star like Elvis Presley. I like the piece because I think the shape of every letter in it perfectly matches her personality,” said Pierson.

Will he ever run out of materials?

“Oh, you should see, I have a room this big filled with letters,” Pierson said with a laugh, holding his arms out in the exhibition room.

“And now is a good time to get these things because everything is becoming digital.”

The exhibition runs through June 6 at Kukje Gallery in Sogyuk-dong, central Seoul. For more information, call (02) 735-8449 or visit www.kukjegallery.com

By Park Min-young   (claire@heraldm.com)

자연친화적인 노르웨이 건축

Norwegian buildings at one with nature

 

Eco-friendly buildings that many Seoulites can only dream of are quite common in Norway.

Photos and miniatures of such Norwegian buildings can be found at the “Norwegian Contemporary Architecture” exhibition running at Hongik University Museum in Sangsu-dong, Seoul.

The show covers a wide range of architecture, from subway stations and cabins in the countryside, to churches and research parks.

“The nature that surrounds these architectural constructions is uniquely Norwegian. Still, the dynamic relationship between the urban and the wild is often realized through breathtakingly original architecture that can be universally appreciated,” said Norwegian Ambassador Didrik Tonseth, at the opening ceremony Monday.

The exhibition mainly features two top architecture firms from Norway; Jensen & Skodvin Architects, who are showcasing the highlights of their 14-year history and Jarmand/Vigsnaes Architects who are exhibiting 12 of their projects, all closely related to the challenges posed by the natural environment of Scandinavia.

“Gudbrandsjuvet Landscape Hotel” by Jensen & Skodvin Architects stands out among the exhibits. 

"Gudbrandsjuvet Landscape Hotel" by Jensen & Skodvin Architects (Norwegian Embassy)

The hotel, built from 2007 to 2008 on a mountain on the west coast of Norway, was made to fit into nature without damaging it.

Instead of constructing one gigantic building, the architects came up with the idea of building seven small buildings -- each a room with two beds and one bathroom.

The rooms minimize the use of artificial lighting so that they will not disturb their natural surroundings, have large windows on all sides that practically make up all of the walls and are smartly placed so that none of the windows face another room. Visitors can enjoy the landscape-like view fully, alone.

In conjunction with the exhibition, Karl Otto Ellefsen, professor of architecture and urbanism, and head of the Oslo School of Architecture and Design, will be giving a lecture titled “Relating to Landscape – Contemporary Norwegian Architecture” on April 20 at Hongmungwan, Hongik University.

The exhibition runs through April 23 at Hongik University Museum in Sangsu-dong, central Seoul. The Museum is located on the fourth floor of the university’s Munhwagwan. The exhibition is closed on Saturday and Sunday.

For details about the exhibition or the lecture, call the Hongik School of Architecture at (02) 320-1106 or the Norwegian Embassy in Seoul at (02) 795-6850.

By Park Min-young (claire@heraldm.com)

커버아트의 거장 로저딘 전시 리뷰

Eyes on Dean's fantasy world

 

"Morning Dragon" by Roger Dean in 1984 [Roger Dean]

Dragons fly and islands float in Roger Dean's paintings.

The British artist, one of the greatest in the music album cover art field, enjoys creating fantasy-like scenes with waterfalls that never go dry, comical devils swarming in hell or mystical woods and jungles.

If the recent mega-hit movie "Avatar" comes to your mind as you look at Dean's works - most of them were created about 30 years before the movie was made - you are sharing the same thoughts as hundreds of thousands of others.

Even before the movie was released, people joined an online forum, raising questions about whether the movie plagiarized Dean's work. The figure grew enormously soon after the movie came out.

Many American lawyers called Dean to offer to take the case. Now rumors are spreading that Dean is preparing a lawsuit.

The 65-year-old artist, however, was careful with his words.

"At this time, I cannot talk about 'Avatar.' I'll just say that I was extremely grateful that there were so many people that recognized the similarity. I didn't know so many would remember and recognize my works," said Dean at a press conference last Wednesday.

Those in Seoul are in luck, because the original paintings of the controversial works are on display at the exhibition "Dragon's Dream" currently running at the Daelim Contemporary Art Museum in Tongui-dong, central Seoul.

This is Dean's first show in Korea and the largest ever displaying about 150 works, including those that have never been exhibited before.

"To my embarrassment, he (exhibition curator Seong Si-wan) even managed to find things I thought were long hidden," Dean said.

Dean moved house a lot in his youth, following his father who was an engineer for the British army. He had many colorful experiences, especially in Hong Kong, and cultivated a fascinating sense of imagination.

The first job he got in 1968 after finishing his design studies at Canterbury School of Art and later at the Royal College of Art was not related to cover art. He was to renovate the interior of a burnt-down jazz club. But this, unexpectedly, led to his first album cover job.

"The interior job had to be done within three weeks because there was a BBC broadcast scheduled there and there would be a huge penalty if it wasn't done. So I did it based on a design I already had in my sketchbook. They were really pleased with the result and asked me if they could have it as an album cover. It was Gun's," said Dean.

This "intriguing" job led to another and before he realized it, Dean had become a famous album cover artist who would work with many rock bands of the 1970s such as Yes, Uriah Heep and Asia.

Dean's surrealistic illustrations were a great fit for the supernatural image the progressive bands had at the time. The illustrations were usually created after long hours of discussion with band members.

"I talk with the band about what idea they want to be using. I'm not reinterpreting the music. I listen to what they say and I value what they say," said Dean.

He confessed, however, that he rarely listened to all the music on the album he worked on.

"Once, I spent a week with a band in Vancouver and they played their song for me over and over again. But l still don't even remember which song it was," he said, chuckling.

Dean's original works are now a popular collection for museums and a bestseller at art auctions. The work "Relayer," for example, goes for over $2.5 million (3 billion won) in the U.S. art market.

"Basically, I only paint three to five paintings a year. So when I sell them it's a great honor. But I definitely feel happier when millions of people can actually see and buy my albums, books and posters," he said.

Other than album covers, visitors can also find various logos and labels by Dean, such as the one he created for the familiar game Tetris, at the exhibition.

The exhibition runs through June 6 at Daelim Contemporary Art Museum in Tongui-dong, central Seoul. Tickets range from 1,000 won to 5,000 won. For more information, call (02) 720-0667 or visit www.daelimmuseum.org

(claire@heraldm.com)

By Park Min-young

서울리빙디자인페어 2010

'Touch' theme of biggest design fair

 

Korea's biggest interior design fair is back with a fresh new theme called "Touch."

The 16th "Seoul Living Design Fair" kicks off today at COEX in Samseong-dong and will run for five days until Monday.

More than 200 interior firms and designers are showcasing their newest designs in furniture, fabrics, built-in home appliances, tableware, kitchen and bathroom products, lights, decorations, landscaping and books.

"This fair adopted the concept of 'High Touch,' which was suggested by American futurologist John Naisbitt and offers designs in which high-tech functions and emotions co-exist," said the organizers.

Divided into three divisions - "Living Trends & Culture," "Designer's Choice" and "Salon de Living Arts" - the fair is ready to touch every visitor.

Regular visitors are likely to spend most of their time at the "Living Trend & Culture" division. It displays affordable items that can immediately brighten up one's home.

If you are not sure what to choose, stop by at the "Designer's Choice Zone" to get tips about the latest style.

Here, some of the nation's top designers, including interior design firm Robin Hill's director Jeong Se-ryeong, fashion designer Seo Jeong-gi and garden designer An Sang-su show off their hybrid designs and great sense for decorating living rooms.

"Salon de Living Arts" zone is only open to buyers and VIPs.

High-end furniture, home appliances and automobile makers like Samsung Electronics, Gookbo Art, Husler Nest, La Chaise, Swarovski and BMW collaborated with famous artists to create rooms and lounges furnished with their products and artworks.

In addition to the exhibitions, seminars on "Emotional Marketing" will also take place at the fair.

The fair runs through March 29 at COEX Hall A and B in Samseong-dong, southern Seoul. Opening hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are 9,000 won for regular visitors and 7,000 won for buyers when registered on-line in advance, and 15,000 won at the door. No admittance to those under 10 years of age.

For more information, call (02) 2262-7191 or visit www.livingdesignfair.co.kr

(claire@heraldm.com)

By Park Min-young

노르웨이 공예 전시

Norwegian crafts in Insa-dong

 

European crafts have made their way into the definitive street for traditional Korean artworks and crafts.

Titled "Construction," an exhibition is showcasing 25 works by 16 Norwegian artists at the basement floor of the Korea Craft Promotion Foundation building in Insa-dong, central Seoul.

The show, supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Norwegian Association for Arts and Crafts, landed in Seoul recently after visiting Ireland, Russia, Spain and Chile.

"The main point of this exhibition is that it moved away from the dominant trend in Norwegian decorative arts and crafts since the 1990s which focused on the physical form and structure of the craft. Rather, the exhibits concentrate on the making process, the unique techniques that were used and how they are expressed in the completed work," said Edith Lundebrekke, the exhibition curator.

It's hard to tell if the experimental pieces should be called artworks or crafts. Each artist has created a whimsical piece based on unique techniques.

For example, Marit Helen Akslen weaved a beautiful long white dress by buttoning shirt collars together.

Marianne Moe made triangle-shaped bags using clasps from Norwegian traditional costumes. She sewed textiles with salmon photos on one of them to make the "Salmon Bag" and hiking anoraks to make the "Anorak Bag," which both remind of her country.

All exhibits, though, demonstrate how form and idea are interwoven and how it is not possible to separate the technique used from the underlying idea or meaning behind it.

The exhibition runs through Feb. 9. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 733-9040 or visit www.kcpf.or.kr

(claire@heraldm.com)

By Park Min-young

2009년 미술계 결산

Art industry recovering from bleak year

 

Hit hard by the global economic crisis, the Korean art industry suffered practically all year. To make things even worse, it was hit by scandals.

The biggest was probably the series of allegations that art was used in lobbying by the National Tax Service executives.

Han Sang-ryul, the former NTS chief, stepped down from his post in January in the wake of news reports that his wife may have given an expensive painting, titled "Hakdongmaeul," to the wife of his predecessor Jeon Goon-pyo in January 2007 before Han was named NTS chief. The scandal got bigger as suspicions rose that he might have also lobbied the president's elder brother to retain his post.

Han is currently in the United States, denying all accusations against him. The prosecutors have investigated all the figures related to the case to date, except for Han.

Another scandal involving NTS soon followed. An NTS official named Ahn Won-goo left his post in July after he was accused of forcing companies to buy paintings from Gaain Gallery, which his wife runs, at extremely high prices. The gallery is the same one Jeon's wife consigned to sell "Hakdongmaeul."

Public opinion is that more scandals are bound to rise, as Ahn, currently in prison, is providing information about more NTS corruption.

Meanwhile, a two-year-long dispute over the authenticity of "The Washing Place" ended in April when the court said the painting was in fact done by the late Korean painter Park Soo-keun.

The court also rejected a damages suit filed by an art auction company against a biweekly magazine that had first cast doubt the painting's authenticity, saying such suspicion was part of the role of the media that should be protected by law.

In the Korean antique art market, controversy rose about a Goryeo cheongja or blue porcelain that Gangjin-gun, South Jeolla Province, had bought in October 2007 for 1 billion won. As some complained it was too expensive while others thought it was appropriate, the controversy resulted in a re-evaluation and Gangjin-gun is taking its steps to litigation.

These incidents highlighted a need for establishing a proper valuation and assessment system in the local art industry.

Besides the scandals, several art fairs and blockbuster exhibitions this year left huge scars in the Korean art industry as only few of them were successful.

Although more people visited the events compared to last year, the total sales of most art fairs decreased about 20 to 30 percent. In case of blockbuster exhibitions, several of the companies that organized them even went bankrupt.

The figures announced by the nation's major art companies show how much the market has suffered this year.

Local auctions' total sales in the first half of the year reported about 35.9 billion won, 46 percent lower than the same period last year. Some auction companies even shut down altogether this year.

Art insiders, however, find relief in the fact that the sales in the latter half are much better than that of the same period last year.

For example, K-Auction, one of the largest auction houses in Korea, marked 18.5 billion won in sales this year, which is 40 percent lower than that of last year's 29.5 billion won.

But total sales of its two auctions in the second half was 10.1 billion won, up by 8.4 billion won from the same period last year.

"The auction market really hit bottom in the first half of this year, but is reviving little by little as it is gets near the end of the year," said Lee Sang-kyu, an official of K Auction.

For the art market to revive, the essential part would be talented artists and qualified works that lead the market. In 2009, unfortunately, not many stood out in Korea.

Many design festivals were held throughout the year, such as "Seoul Design Olympic 2009" or "Design Korea 2009," as Seoul was designated the World Design Capital for next year by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design.

They did introduce many whimsical designs, but did not achieve their aim of making Seoul chic and many Koreans still find "design" unfamiliar. Opinions are that more efforts should be made next year.

The efforts by national museums this year, however, did bring out some good results.

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Korean museums, some 20 national museums throughout the country held extensive events and exhibitions.

The highlight was the exhibition "Yeominhaerak," which means "to share enjoyment with people," held at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul. It featured many relics rarely shown to the public during the last 100 years.

"Mongyudowondo," a painting of paradise by Joseon dynasty artist Angyeon, was one of them. It currently belongs to Tenri University in Japan, and was borrowed for nine days during the exhibition period. An average of about 10,000 people per day visited the museum during those nine days to see the work.

The National Museum of Contemporary Art also made some historical changes, too, like the appointment of a former IT minister as new director of the National Museum of Korea on February.

Bae Soon-hoon, who was at the time vice president of Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, was also president of Daewoo Electronics for four years and had never held a job related to art.

It was controversial for such a person to get the post, which had been always dominated by high-profile art figures.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said that it believed Bae's experience as a CEO would be beneficial, especially since the culture ministry plans to establish a Seoul branch of the museum in the old Defense Security Command site in central Seoul.

And now, actually under Bae's command, the project to establish the museum's Seoul branch is smoothly proceeding.

The Seoul branch, which will open in 2012, will be the museum's third branch, completing the National Museum of Contemporary Art trio along with the existing ones in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province and Deoksugung, central Seoul.

Many say that the art industry's long-cherished wish is finally coming true, as they have always wanted a large and high-tech museum in the heart of Seoul. Some had complained that the Gwacheon branch is too isolated to attract visitors.

The museum recently offered a preview of what kind of museum the former DSC complex in central Seoul would become through the exhibition "Beginning of New Era."

About 60 artists, ranging from veterans to rookies, showcased some 300 original and fun exhibits that made viewers ponder the limits of contemporary art.

(claire@heraldm.com)

By Park Min-young

디자인코리아 2009

Design festival in Incheon this weekend

 

"Design Korea 2009," a large-scale design festival, kicked off on Wednesday at the Songdo ConvensiA in Incheon, Gyeonggi Province.

The festival showcases more than 650 pieces of well-designed products from 19 countries. It also holds 12 separate exhibitions that introduce products with whimsical designs by up and rising Korean artists or eco-friendly designs.

Visitors can try out cool products at three experience zones. Touch screen computers and toy dogs with artificial intelligence greet kids at the "Living +" zone, mp3 players and game consoles can be found at the "Portable +" zone and the latest TV sets and digital frames are at the "Display +" zone.

A free shuttle bus runs from Songdo to Yeongjongdo, which is the location of the Trinale Incheon, a planned design museum and event venue modeled after the Triennale di Milano in the northern tip of Italy.

Trinale Incheon currently holds special exhibitions titled "What is Italian Design?" and "Nature, Art and Science."

The bus runs from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. until Monday.

"Design Korea 2009" runs through Tuesday. Tickets are 5,000 won for adults and 3,000 won for students. For more information, call (031) 780-2230 or visit www.designkorea.or.kr

(claire@heraldm.com)

By Park Min-young

한국공예작가들 미 최대 공예페어 초청전시

U.S. craft show features Korean artists

 

Korean craft works are set to captivate the United States.

Twenty-six Korean craft artists will be showcasing their works at the 33rd Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show which runs for five days starting today at The Pennsylvania Convention Center.

It is one of the three biggest craft shows in the Untied States, along with the Smithsonian Craft Show and The International Expositions of Sculpture Objects & Functional Art. The trading volume at the Philadelphia craft show alone is approximately $3.5 million, while the size of the U.S. craft market is around $14 billion.

Like the other two shows, only U.S. citizens could participate in the Philadelphia show. But from 2001, the show decided to select guest countries and invite their artists to learn about their crafts and exchange cultures.

Korea is the seventh country that has been invited so far, following Japan, England, Northern Ireland, Germany, Finland and Canada.

"The point is that the biggest craft show in the U.S.A. focused on Korean crafts this time. Our foundation supported the cost for the booths and transportation, because we know that this show will greatly affect the possibility of whether Korean craft artists can advance into the U.S. market or not. This is not only an opportunity for the individual artists but also a great chance to promote Korean crafts as a whole," said Sung Moon-mo, president of Korean Craft Promotion Foundation.

The foundation received applications from 300 artists who wanted to participate in the show and sent the list to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The museum selected the final 26. Some representative artists were left out and some up and coming artists were included through the process, according to the foundation.

The invited artists are Jeon Seong-im for baskets, Go Hee-suk, Kim Mun-gyeong, Kim Ji-hye, Kim Hye-jeong, Yun Ju-cheol, Lee Gi-jo and Lee In-jin for ceramics, Kim Min-ja, Lim Hye-suk, Jang Yeon-sun and Choi Ji-yun for fiber, Park Seong-won and Heo Hye-wuk for glass, Kim Bong-hee, Kim Yu-ra, Mun Chun-seon, Sim Hyeon-seok, Lee Seung-jin and Lee Jeong-gyu for jewelry, Kang Wung-gi and Park Seong-cheol for metal, Jeon Chang-ho for mixed media, Jeong hae-jo for ottchil, Jang Seong-wu for paper and Jo Seok-jin for wood.

The show is strictly commercial, so the selected artists will stay at their booths during the show and take care of the sales themselves.

Curators, collectors and gallery owners from all around the world will be visiting to browse through the works and learn about them straight from the artists.

"It will be a great opportunity to meet buyers who can help artists settle in the U.S. market," said Jo Hi-suk, General Manager of the foundation's industrial promotion division. The foundation also educated the artists on marketing skills for this occasion.

"We got the chance to participate at this competitive show because Korea is the guest country, but nothing is guaranteed for us next year. We will be evaluated purely on our works this time, so I am hoping for good results," said Park Seong-won, a participating artist and professor at Korea National University of Arts. His work "Mask 2" was printed on the cover of the show's pamphlet.

"There are not many shows or fairs like the Philadelphia Craft Show in Korea where craft artists can introduce their works to the public. There should be more, to reinvigorate Korean craft market," he added.

(claire@heraldm.com)

By Park Min-young

 

기무사터에 생길 국립현대미술관이 궁금하다면!

Get sneak preview of Kimusa exhibits

 

 

Imagine walking in a room with a book in your hand, after which soon images and sounds related to the book splash into the room.

This scenario, reminiscent of a scene one might have seen in an animated film, comes true through Kim Ae-ran's work "The Sublime - The Space of Heteropia" at the exhibition "Beginning of New Era" currently running at the former Defense Security Command complex in central Seoul.

To make it happen, Kim installed special sensors in her neon-flashy books and in a room.

Other than Kim's work, about 60 artists, ranging from veterans to rookies, are showcasing some 300 original and fun exhibits at the show that makes viewers once again ponder the limits of contemporary art.

The National Museum of Contemporary Art, which is hosting of the exhibition, says that these exhibits are previews of what kind of art museum the complex will become in 2012.

It will be the museum's third branch, completing the National Museum of Contemporary Art trio, also including the existing ones in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province and Deoksugung, central Seoul.

Nicknamed Kimusa - an abbreviation of the command's Korean name - the complex has hosted several exhibitions this year, including "Platform in Kimusa 2009."

But museum officials promise this one is completely different.

"If 'Platform' was to brush off Kimusa's past, this exhibition is to promote the forgotten space and show what a fun and exciting place the new museum will be," said museum curator Gi Hye-gyeong.

Once the trio is formed, each will take a different role.

The new museum, as it will probably be fully equipped with the latest equipment, will primarily host exhibitions on new media art combined with modern technologies. The Gwacheon museum will likely focus on its existing collections while the Deoksugung museum, as it takes place inside an old palace, will hold exhibitions that focus on traditional genres of modern and contemporary art.

Will the upcoming museum really be worth waiting for? Yes, if it really turns out to be as creative as its current exhibits.

For instance, installation artist Jeon Su-cheon has reproduced a telephone operating room whose main purpose was allegedly to bug institutions, armies and the media. Hundreds of mixed voices coming out of the operating machine make visitors prick up their ears.

Choi Woo-ram has filled a hallway with hundreds of yellow lamps hanging from its ceiling, making it look like a scene from the Harry Potter movie series.

The spider-formed lamps, called "Pendulum of Secret," are supposed to be "machine organisms" that live on secrets. Choi referred to how the former Kimusa used to be packed with state secrets.

Park Byung-chun created a miniature land in his room with 3,000 crushed ramen noodles and Im Taek created his on visitors' eye level by making a narrow hole on the wall with cotton and salt.

The exhibition runs through Dec. 6 at the former DSC complex in Sogyeok-dong, central Seoul. Admission is free. For more information, visit seoul.moca.go.kr or call (02) 2188-6000.

(claire@heraldm.com)

By Park Min-young

양평에선_환경미술제가 한창!

Look for hidden Yangpyeong art

 

Artists started to gather in Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi Province since a couple years ago. They were attracted to the area's clean environment which was hardly touched by factories or other polluting facilities.

Yangpyeong is designated as a special eco-friendly agricultural zone and has been Seoul's water source for a long time.

Highlighting the region's pure and artistic image, the second Yangpyeong Eco Art Festival is currently running under the title "Echo of Eco."

A total of 140 installation works, paintings and photos that arouse public attention to protect the ecosystem and the environment are placed in every nook and corner outdoors around the Han River Eco Park, Gangha Sewage Treatment Facility, Gangsang Sports Park, and inside three galleries -- Gallery Wa, Manas Art Center and Dr. Park Gallery.

"Visitors can look around the exhibits like they are treasure hunting. They are well-blended with nature so some will be hard to recognize," said Park Cheon-nam, curator of the festival and Seongkok Museum.

The festival benchmarked "Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial" of Japan, which successfully revived its mountainous region which was turning into ruins after sudden urbanization.

In this festival, 65 artists -- including some who are Yangpyeong-based -- have come up with creative artworks, hoping to bring out similar or even better results as the one in Japan.

For example, the members of the Contemporary Art Research Center of Kyung Hee University placed a giant log on top of the Sewage Treatment building and made a person figure dangerously hang from it, expressing the urgent situation our environment is facing.

Installation artist Lee Jong-bin covered an evergreen tree with a big head form made with steel wires and named it "Growing Thoughts." Yes, the growing tree is the visualization of how a person's thoughts grow, obviously more sharply as time goes by.

The exhibits outdoors are to be installed permanently after the exhibition is over so that residents can still enjoy them.

The show runs through Nov. 1. For more information, call (070) 7137-6353 or visit www.ypart21.net

(claire@heraldm.com)

By Park Min-young

홍대로 고고씽 ㅋ [홍대아트디자인페스티벌]

Hongdae finally runs big-scale art fest

 

Visitors look around an exhibition hosted by the department of woodworking and furniture design at the festival [2009 Hongik Art Design Festival]

If "Hongdae" only means an area full of clubs and cafes to you, there are 10 days left for you to find out what the place is really all about.

"Hongdae" is actually short for "Hongik Daehagyo," or "Hongik University," which is famous for its renowned art school. Most of Korea's top-notch artists have graduated from there.

Ironically, the university has never had its own art museum nor hosted any art festivals of its own until now.

But now university has launched "2009 Hongik Art Design Festival," in which about 3,000 of its students, graduate students, alumni and professors are participating.

The exhibitions, conferences and fashion shows which each art major used to hold separately have been running simultaneously since Monday. Both inside and outside the Hongik Campus -- from the nearby park to the subway station -- is humming with artists, viewers and attractions.

"It is the biggest festival the university is holding since its art major opened in 1949. It will be an opportunity to look back how Hongik Art has contributed to Korean contemporary art during the past 60 years, and also to gear up for the world stage," said Choi Byung-hoon, Dean of College of Fine Arts in Hongik University.

On the campus, 11 exhibitions are underway, including the one at Hongik Museum of Art. It is the first exhibition for the museum, also known as HOMA, which opened on Monday. It is situated on the second floor of the Hongmungwan building.

The exhibition features about 700 works by 400 alumni and former and present professors such as Hong Seok-chang and Lee Du-sik. Most of the works are specially priced around 1 million won (about $850) during the festival

Outside the campus, about 200 students are holding a street exhibition named "Wow Flask B" until Saturday. Their experimental works -- as the word "flask" signifies in the exhibition's title -- sprawled out on the streets near Hongik University will hopefully help passer-bys enjoy the art and communicate with it.

Five more video showings are scheduled at the Hongmungwan building and two fashion shows are coming up this weekend at the university's pool.

The university will also hold an "Open Studio" event on the weekend where middle and high school students who wants to enter the university's art school can consult professors about the majors they can take.

"2009 Hongik Art Design Festival" runs through Oct. 25 in and around the university campus. For more information, call (02) 320-1202.

(claire@heraldm.com)

By Park Min-young

[데일 치훌리의 유리조각들] 개인전 리뷰

살 빠지는 조각을 아시나요?!ㅎ

라스베가스 벨라지오호텔 로비 천정을 수놓은 멋있는 유리조각 ㅋ

그것을 만든 데일 치훌리의 처음이자 가장 큰 개인전이 롯데 에비뉴엘에서 진행중입니다 ^-^

 

Dale Chihuly's mesmerizing glass sculptures

 

Visitors look around Dale Chihuly`s exhibition [Avenuel]

At Avenuel in Sogong-dong, central Seoul, one will spot exquisite glass sculptures in every nook and corner from the basement to the fifth floor.

The works are by Dale Chihuly, the world renowned glass sculptor.

Also including his sculptures and drawings clustered at Lotte Art Gallery on Avenuel's 9th floor, a total of 79 pieces are on display at Avenuel for his biggest-ever solo exhibition in Korea.

Colorful yet lucid and lofty, the works perfectly match the posh shopping venue's high-end image.

"Too pretty? Too decorative? Too popular? Since when is that a problem?" Chihuly used to say when someone criticized his works.

Indeed, his works are very popular especially among fancy hotels and high-profile institutes. Some 200 museums and institutes throughout the world collected his work, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and Louvre Museum in Paris. His first signature gallery in Asia is situated in Macau, one of the richest tourist spots in the world.

His most famous work is "Fiori di Como," brilliant glass flowers that embroider the lobby's ceiling at the Belagio Hotel in Las Vegas.

It was once a fad among Korean bloggers to post a picture of the lobby on their blogs, because rumor had spread that the work "helps you lose weight just by looking at it."

Ironically, it is hard to match the beautiful works with the artist himself, as the strong looking 68-year-old man honestly appears far from "beautiful" or "fragile," with his signature black eye patch covering his left eye and all.

But some say that it was his troubled 30s that inspired him to create such beautiful works.

At 31, his studio caught fire and his entire body of work disappeared into ashes. Four years later, he was severely cut by glass in an automobile accident and had to get more than 250 stitches on his face. It was then that the black eye patch became his companion. Three years later he dislocated his shoulder while bodysurfing, and is thus no longer able to hold his glass blowing pipe.

These incidents ended up being rather fortunate for his fans, however, because through them Chihuly discovered more of his hidden talents.

To continue his work, Chihuly formed teams and hired others to blow the glass. He turned out to be a great director and his team made stunning new designs. He also found his gift for drawing as he relied on the medium to transmit his ideas to his teammates.

At this exhibition, 27 of the exhibits are his drawing works.

The exhibition is underway at Lotte Art Gallery inside Avenuel runs through Oct. 15 while the rest of the exhibits will be on display until Oct. 30.

For more information, call (02) 726-4428 or visit www.chihuly.com

(claire@heraldm.com)

By Park Min-young

[광주 디자인비엔날레]

Biennale searches 'clue' for designs

 

One recent car commercial rambles on about the car's new functions but then ends like this: "So what? Nobody cares if it is not beautiful. Beauty is a must."

Yes, a product's attractive design has become one of the most important factors to make a hit item today, sometimes even more than its functions.

"The world's design market is practically saturated. New techniques used to be followed by new designs in the past but now it is the other way around. We need to find innovative new designs that can recharge the market again," said 2009 Gwangju Design Biennale General Director Eun Byeong-soo.

The third Gwangju Design Biennale came forth to suggest "The Clue" - also this year's title - which will eventually lead us to better designs.

The clues revealed by the biennale can be summed up as "Korean culture" and "good for everyone."

The biennale has one main exhibition divided into five parts - Clothing, Eating, Living, Enlightening, Enjoying - three special project exhibitions - Design to Save, Design for Care, Street - and a "Sing Sing Noraebang," a giant karaoke room installed in front of the Biennale Hall.

The main exhibition underway at Biennale Hall is the one that sheds new light on Korean traditional and modern culture.

Interestingly, however, the participating foreign artists outnumber Korean artists by 72 percent to 28 percent.

"It means that many foreign artists are showing works based on Korean culture. We first came up with the basic concept, gave the artists enough information, and they immediately fell in love with what they learned. Each interpreted Korean culture in their unique ways. The works reflecting Sosewon would be a good example," Eun said.

Sosewon is a beautiful Korean garden situated at Damyang, South Jeolla Province. The place is not that large but is well-known for its perfect harmony between wooden architectures and nature.

Some Korean and international artists each reinterpreted Sosewon in a two by two meter square space using various materials such as wood, plastics, lights or bamboo-looking steels. The exhibits are shown at the Biennale's "Living" section.

The "Eating" division greets visitors by stinging their nostrils with a spicy smell. Dried red peppers are piled up like a small mountain in the middle of the room in the form of Sungryemun. Looking carefully, one can spot the roads around Sungryemun that leads to City hall and Gwanghwamun, also filled with peppers.

Other than this sensational exhibit, more Korean foods and whimsical tableware are also showcased there.

The "Enjoying" section starts by exhibiting music equipment chronologically from Thomas Elva Edison's phonometer to iPods. The section's highlight is at its final room where dozens of Korean traditional instruments hang from the ceiling.

The "Clothing" section introduces designs inspired from hanbok and the "Enlightening" section features works based on Hangeul.

While the main exhibits emphasize Korean culture, the three special projects introduce nice designs that can satisfy everyone.

First, the "Design to Save" project showcases numerous everyday goods that were common in modern Korea, reminding visitors that new designs are hidden everywhere and that they can be derived from anything by anyone.

Then the "Design to Care" project displays household items from scissors to kitchen sinks that are specially designed for the disabled.

The "Street" project is literally underway on the streets and not in the Biennale Hall. Two Korean traditional houses and Gwangju Speer Girls' high school, all located in Yanglim-dong, southern Gwangju Metropolitan City, gives out an interesting ambience with modern items packed in their ancient buildings.

If you are wondering "Are these just insightful design works, or are they contemporary art?" after looking around the nearly 2,000 exhibits at the biennale, you have seen it well.

The organizers confessed that this year's biennale went a step closer to contemporary art while the first two had focused on commercial goods, mostly produced by companies.

So while this year's exhibits are definitely more fun, abundant and stimulating than the previous years, it looks like Gwangju Design Biennale has created itself another assignment for the future: Differentiating itself from its sister festival - the famous "Gwangju Biennale" centering around contemporary art.

The third Gwangju Design Biennale runs through Nov. 4 in Gwangju Metropolitan City. Tickets are 7,000 won for adults, 4,000 won for adolescents and 2,000 won for children.

For more information, visit www.gb.or.kr or call (062) 608-4114.

(claire@heraldm.com)

By Park Min-young

[볼 만한 전시] 조각의 고정관념을 깨는 소마미술관 전시 3가지 리뷰

특히 세 번째 사진,

둥둥 떠있는 박선기씨의 작품이 개인적으로 가장 마음에 들었습니다♥

가까이서 보면 까만 단추처럼 둥둥 떠있는 숯인데,

멀리서보면 저런 모양이 +_+

 

Who ever said that sculptures have to be big, heavy and stuck to the ground? The Soma Museum of Art in Bangi-dong challenges conventional concepts of sculptures through its three exhibitions currently underway.

The first, "Drawing Sculpture: Build House in the Air," shows that the sense of volume, which is known as one of the key ingredients of sculptures, may not actually be such an essential point.

The title of the show implies how the six participating Korean installation artists and sculptors tried to lift their works up in the air like drawings ready to be hung on walls.

Most of the exhibits are not on the floor but float lightly in the exhibition rooms, as if they defy the law of gravity. Of course, the materials had to be quite a bit lighter than usual.

Take Bahk Seon-ghi's "An Aggregate" as an example.

Bahk connected black charcoal on nylon thread and let it hang from the ceiling, making it appear like little black buttons sewed in the air. Seen from a few steps back, viewers will be surprised to realize how the whole thing forms a picture of a threaded needle entering a big black button.

Another artist, Jeon Kang-ok, literally experimented with gravity by carefully placing some stones on fine threads which look like they are pulled out from nylon stockings. The zigzagged threads sparsely fill a box-like-space about as tall as a person.

"If someone jumps beside it, the stones will surely fall down. So the whole sculpture is filled with tension. The artist wanted to capture the moment right before gravity acts on the stones," commented Go Chung-hwan, an art critic.

The next exhibition and also the third in the museum's drawing show series of this year, "Drawing Now 03 -- Wood Meets Paper" showcases Spanish artist Boris Curatolo and American artist Mary Sullivan's collaborative work.

Curatolo, who usually works with wood, and Sullivan, who is well-known for her unique use of paper, have been working together on the "Wood Meets Paper" project for several years. They have shown their work in Brooklyn and Madrid before coming to Seoul.

Curatolo bends soft poplar trees and Sullivan covers them thinly with her specially made Abaka papers. The duo's squiggly works laced all over the ceiling and walls are reminiscent of musical notes, giving the whole a musical feel.

"Lightness and playfulness are the key point of the work," said Curatolo.

"Some people actually started to dance a little bit while looking at it in Brooklyn. Of course, there was always music present in the studio when we made the work."

"Shoebox," the third exhibition currently underway at the museum, proves that small sculptures can be just as meaningful as big ones. The show is actually a traveling exhibition hosted by the University of Hawaii Art Gallery. It has opened in various spots in the world every three years since 1982, and Seoul is its 10th venue.

"For the ease and economy of a traveling exhibition, all works were ordered to be made small enough to fit into shoeboxes," explained chief curator Elyn Y. Park.

This time, the exhibition displays 81 sculptures by 81 artists.

Despite the size, or perhaps thanks to it, the sculptures demonstrate the artists' endless creativity. The works feature full-range themes, from personal experiences and humor to political and social issues.

"Shoebox" runs through Aug. 16 and "Drawing Sculpture: Build house in the air" and "Drawing Now 03 -- Wood Meets Paper" runs through Aug. 30 at Soma Museum of Art in Bangi-dong, southeastern Seoul.

Admission for all three shows is 3,000 won for adults, 2,000 won for adolescents and 1,000 won for children. For more information visit www.somamuseum.org or call (02) 425-1077.

(claire@heraldm.com)

By Park Min-young

[여름방학맞이 재밌는 전시들] Fun exhibitions open for summer

The scorching sun or the pouring rain can be tiresome, but summer vacation is too short to waste on the couch.

If a trip to the beach is too much, why not head for an exhibition underway in Seoul?

Many are starting this week, from blockbuster shows all the way from far away continents to very Korean exhibitions filled with oriental paintings. The choice is yours. Enjoy!

"Miffy at the Museum"

Our beloved childhood character Miffy has visited Seoul for the summer. Taking place at the Seoul Arts Center, "Miffy at the Museum" is the character's first official show in Korea.

Miffy's creator Dick Bruna, who still draws the character six days a week at the age of 81, displays some of his original drawings. Visitors can also see 2,000 pieces of his earlier work as a book designer before he came up with the hit character.

Korean contemporary artists also participated in this exhibition through reinterpretations of Miffy. Whimsical sculptures, installations and exciting works of interactive media greet visitors.

One-hundred celebrities, including movie director Bong Jun-ho and actress Choi Yeo-jin also designed their own versions of Miffy for the show.

The exhibition runs through Aug. 30 at Hangaram Art Museum at the Seoul Arts Center in Seocho-dong, southern Seoul. Tickets are 15,000 won. For more information, visit www.sac.or.kr or call (02) 580-1705~5.

"Voyage to the World of illustration"

Anyone who has enjoyed fairy tale books will be happy to find hundreds of illustrations displayed at the first floor of COEX this summer.

More than 420 works by 55 renowned illustrators from all over the world are showcased at the exhibition "Voyage to the World of illustration."

The genres vary from fairy tale illustrations to advertisement illustrations.

Most of the participating artists are world-famous, including Anthony Browne, Barbara McClintock, Herve Tullet, John Burningham and Robert Ingpen.

Anthony Browne in particular is popular among Korean mothers. Visitors can find the original drawing of Browne's famous fairytale book, "Gorilla."

The exhibition runs through Aug. 23 at COEX in Samsung-dong, southern Seoul. Tickets range from 5,000 won to 10,000 won. For more information, visit www.illust2009.co.kr or call (02) 6000-0030.

"Funny! Funny! Performance Art Gallery"

"Funny! Funny! Performance Art Gallery" at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts offers a full-course show from looking at paintings, enjoying performances to experiencing various art programs.

With "Light" and "Color" as its basic theme, the show features more than 30 impressionist paintings, a play about Jean-Claude Monet and many playgrounds where kids can learn how to paint like Monet and Georges Seurat.

The paintings at the show are not original but certified copies, so kids can feel free to touch them.

The show runs through Sept. 27 at Sejong Center near Gwanghwamun, central Seoul. Tickets are 15,000 won. For more information, visit www.thinkbridge.co.kr or call (02) 578-0262.

"Hello. Into. Ink, Paper. 2"

If you are tired of all the Western art, how about some Korean paintings for a change?

Hello Museum introduces Korean paintings by seven young Korean artists at the exhibition "Hello. Into. Ink, Paper. 2."

"There are many blockbuster exhibitions for famous foreign artists but exhibitions for Korean paintings are rare. Children only get to learn about Korean art in school. This exhibition can give them a chance to meet Korean art," said museum director Kim Yssac.

"Kids can find it difficult to understand ancient paintings for the first time. So we prepared works by contemporary Korean painters."

The paintings are familiar, easy and fun. Among the exhibits, a nice-looking tiger gives a broad smile, showing all of his bright white teeth. Named "Happy Hoya," this painting can teach children about the importance of health.

Reservations are obligatory to receive a docent tour. It takes about 70 minutes, and is provided by professional curators who majored in art education or children's education. Following the tour, children not only get to see art but participate in various experience programs. The tour is also available in English.

The exhibition runs through Sep. 30 at Hello Museum in Yeoksam-dong, southern Seoul. Tickets for the docent tour and full one day experience are 20,000 won for kids and 2,000 won for parents. Regular admission to the museum is 5,000 won. For more information, visit www.hellomuseum.com or call (02) 562-4420.

"Junk Art: From Trash to Green Art"

Samsung Children's Museum will offer the exhibition "Junk Art: From Trash to Green Art" to teach children about environmental protection.

The winning works of the Junk Art Contest, hosted by the Korea Environment & Resources Corporation, will be on display. Art made of various recycled goods such as broken down motorcycles, old bottles and newspapers are original and interesting.

Some of the works will be hidden here and there in the museum to make it more fun for the kids. Children will receive a kit at the exhibition which will help them find the hidden works and also think about the environment. Kids who complete the kit will be given an eco-friendly gift.

The exhibition runs from July 14 to Aug. 30 at Samsung Children's Museum in Jamsil, southern Seoul. Tickets range from 3,000 won to 5,000 won. For more information, visit www.samsungkids.org or call (02) 2143-3600.

"Mommy, Photography is Easy!"

Ever wondered what "limited edition" really means in photography? Gallery Kong is holding the special exhibition "Mommy, Photography is Easy!" to tell visitors many secrets about photography.

Divided into five sections, the exhibition explains from A to Z about color photos, black-and-white photos, printing technologies, know-how in making photography and editions.

The actual works from the gallery's collection by many local and international photographers are used as examples.

It runs through July 31 at Gallery Kong in Palpan-dong, central Seoul. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.gallerykong.com or call (02) 738-7776.

(claire@heraldm.com)

By Park Min-young

[페리에주에를 보면 생각나는 것?] Champagne inspired art

In step with its launch in Korea, the two-centuries old champagne house Perrier-Jouet is hosting an original exhibition featuring works by top Korean artists of diverse fields.

At the exhibition "Perpetual Emotions by Perrier-Jouet," 15 artists showcase their champagne-inspired works.

Participating artists are hanbok designer Lee Young-hee, fashion designer Juun.J, shoe designer Lee Bo-hyun, jewelry designer Kim Sung-hee, makeup artist Lee Kyung-min, photographer Kim Yong-ho, installation artist Kim Chi-ho, fabric artist Kan Ho-seob, lightning designer Park Jin-woo, florist Kim Jong-wook, painter Lee Eun-joo, book designer Jung Eun-kyung, media artist Seo Hyo-jung, visual artist Pak Ji-sook and pianist Seo Hye-gyung.

Many of the artists used anemone, the champagne brand's symbol, in their works. Lee Young-hee embroidered the flower on hanbok and Lee Bo-hyun attached the flowers made of Swarovsky and satin on high heels.

Seeing champagne as synonymous with weddings, Jung Eun-kyung made a book decorated with anemones on folding screens, which are typically used in Korean traditional weddings.

The exhibition runs through June 30 at the Kring Gallery in Daechi-dong, southern Seoul. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 557-8898.

(claire@heraldm.com)

By Park Min-young

[월드컵공원에 이상한 설치물이 생겼다?] 'Lighting up' Seoul's air quality

'Lighting up' Seoul's air quality

Take a stroll through World Cup Park in Mapo-gu, western Seoul, and one will notice a weird-looking new structure near Pyounghwa Park.

An acrylic pavilion which resembles a stylish bus stop, or maybe a solar collector, has been there since last Monday.

Seeing it closely, viewers can notice that its top is shaped like the map of Seoul, and is placed in the exact directions. The 25 divided sections each sometimes flash brightly or grow dim.

Do you get what it is?

The bizarre structure is actually an interactive work called "Living Light," installed by the Seoul City Gallery Project, a public arts project run by the city. The installation detects and shows the real-time air pollution levels throughout the 25 "gu" or sections of Seoul.

If the air quality of a certain gu improves from the day before, LED lights on the section turns brighter, and if it becomes more polluted, the lights turn darker.

Visitors can walk through the 6 meters wide and 2.7 meters tall installation and check the air conditions of different places in Seoul.

The creators of this installation are Yang Su-in and David Benjamin who currently work as a team called "The Living" in New York, United States.

The team has made many experimental and chic installations related to environmental indexes such as "Living Glass," which automatically sucks in fresh air from the outside according to the carbon dioxide level in the room, or "River Glow," which checks the acidity-level of a river and displays it through red and green lights like a traffic signal.

Seoul citizens can easily interact with "Living Light." Send a text message with your zip code to 013-3366-3615 and it replies immediately, stating the change in the air pollution level of the area today compared to the previous month.

Another interesting part: No matter where the text sender is, the sender's gu on the installation glows when it receives the message.

To see the project, take the subway line 6 to the World Cup Station. Go out exit 1 and walk straight until you reach the Mapo agricultural and marine products market. "Living Light" stands at the entrance of the Pyounghwa Park.

(claire@heraldm.com)

By Park Min-young

[인사이드 키티] more pictures

"Kitty Show" by 이승익

 

"헬로키티의 신발들" by 풀빵스튜디오

 

"헬로키티 반지 show"

 

"Sunday Afternoon on the Island on La Grande Jatte 1885" by Georges Seurat

 

"피아노치는 소녀" by 르누아르

 

"TWD&KITTY" by JNJ CREW

 

"Kitty mask" by Kim Jayhoon

 

근데, 다 폰 디카로 찍은 사진인데 왜 어떤건 크게 나오고 어떤건 작게 나오는지 모르겠다;

찍을 때마다 뭐 설정 변경한 것도 없는데 왜그러지??-_-

[헬로키티 전시] Hello Kitty celebrates its 35th birthday

If Mickey Mouse is a Westerner who captured the world, Hello Kitty is the world's sweetheart from Asia. With its innocent two black dot eyes and the cute ribbon on its ear, the white-faced kitty has captivated the hearts of women of all ages since 1974.

Hello Kitty is found on more than 50 thousand items from toys, school supplies, makeup and even neckties and men's underwear.

To commemorate the character's 35th birthday, the exhibition "Inside Kitty" is underway at Seongnam Arts Center in Yatab-dong.

"Kitty was not popular at all at first, even in Japan. It is only since 1985, 11 years after its birth, that people started to pay some attention to it," Yuko Yamaguchi, third chief designer of the character, told the press last month.

Yamaguchi has been working on designs of the character for 29 years now. Seeing her in vivid colored clothes, beaded necklace and wearing her hair in two buns - one at each side - despite her age (which she refused to disclose), it seemed only right that she is called as "the mother of Hello Kitty."

"Hello Kitty was only for kids back then. But in 1987, I got a letter from a high school student who said that her friends tease her because she has a Hello Kitty product. She requested the company make something that was not weird for her to carry around. So, since then, I have tried to come up with things that all generations could enjoy," Yamaguchi said.

Hello Kitty soon rose in fame after the character was displayed in Anna Sui boutiques in the United States. Young women around the world have fallen in love with the character ever since. The boutique of MAC, a makeup brand, was packed with women on the day the brand released its collaborated works with Hello Kitty.

"The character has to communicate with people. It should change as time goes by, and always stay fashionable," Yamaguchi said.

"Inside Kitty" starts by viewing the past of the character. Kitty fans will be delighted to see the nostalgic Hello Kitty items of the past 35 years on display.

The highlight of the show, however, would be the character's artistic transformation. Forty contemporary artists including graphic designer Kim Du-seob, installation artist Byun Dae-yong and super model-turned-party planner Miggi Chi reinterpreted Hello Kitty in various modern ways.

Parody versions of the masterpieces such as Georges Seurat's "Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte" or the sweet cat's rebellious attitude in graffiti are fairly humorous.

The show runs through June 28 at Seongnam Arts Center in Yatab-dong, Gyeonggi Province. Tickets are 15,000 won. For more information, call (02) 578-0262 or visit www.insidekitty.co.kr.

By Park Min-young

(claire@heraldm.com)