New Delhi, May 2 (IANS) With a view to bring the spirit of South Korea to the national capital, the Korean Cultural Centre (KCC) here is organising an exhibition of calligraphy, pottery ink paintings and photographs from the East Asian country.
The exhibition titled “Impressions: A Journey Backwards” will kick off here on Friday.
The show will display 31 artworks collected over many years through donations from Korean and Indian artists, as well as from repositories like South Korea’s Goryeo Celadon Museum, formerly known also as the Gangjin Celadon Museum, a KCC statement said.
Goryeo Celadon (or greenware) were ceramics produced in 10th century Korea during the Goryeo Dynasty. Originating in China, they spread to Korea by the 12th century and were considered objects of fine art.
According to the Korean Cultural Centre, with their pale green lustre called ‘bisaek’, these ceramics reflect the quintessence of the Oriental spirit.
The second artform to be exhibited — calligraphy – is an act of training and disciplining the mind in Korean culture, the KCC said.
Introduced to Korea in the 2nd or 3rd century BC by the Chinese, Korean calligraphy has come a long way in making its own distinct mark. It was revolutionised during the 19th century by the renowned calligrapher Kim Jeong-hi, who introduced the Chusa Style, and has since been considered not only an artistic but also a spiritual activity.
An archetypal form of South Korean art, ink paintings, too, capture the very essence of Korean art. They are simple and succinct and convey deep meanings using just dots and lines.
Often without form or structure, the ink paintaings emphasise simplicity, spontaneity and self-expression.
The fourth category of exhibit, which features photographs under the theme – “Seasons of Korea” – captures the four distinct non-tropical seasons — spring, summer, autumn and winter — experienced in the country.
Capturing the essence of South Korea and its art, the “Impressions..” exhibition will continue until May 31.
–IANS
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