2018.8.21 Museums & Galleries

CANDIDA HOFER: SPACES

OF ENLIGHTENMENT

Kukje Gallery, Jongno District

To Sunday: Renowned German artist Candida Hofer, 74, is best known for her photographs of interiors of empty public buildings such as libraries, museums and theaters. Some 21 pieces are featured in this solo exhibition.

On the first floor of Kukje’s K2 Gallery are works by the German artist that capture the interior spaces of theaters. Paradoxically, although devoid of humans, Hofer’s works show a better human presence through the spaces and their details created and used by people. On the second floor are Hofer’s photos of interior spaces in libraries and museums, ranging from Baroque libraries full of colorful books and murals in monasteries from the Middle Ages to simple, white, modern bookshelves in the Kunstakademie Dusseldorf, where the artist studied photography under famous conceptual artists and photographers Bernd and Hilla Becher.

Admission is free. Go to Anguk Station, line No. 3, exit 1, and walk for 10 minutes.

(02) 735-8449, www.kukjegallery.com

DOODLE WORLD

Ara Art Center, Jongno District

To Sept. 9: The exhibition features some 730 works, big and small, created by Sam Cox, better known as Mr. Doodle, a pop artist who is well known for his unique style.

From afar, the canvases look as if they are full of meaningless lines that fill up space, but up close they show countless different characters and objects that fit together with each other as if the artist calculated each and every size of what he drew, or doodled, to create these unique pieces of art.

Tickets cost 13,000 won for adults, 10,000 won for teenagers and 8,000 won for children. The gallery is open everyday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Get off at Jonggak Station, line No. 1, exit 3-1, and walk for five minutes.

(02) 569-1008, www.araart.co.kr

DEAR MY WEDDING DRESS

Seoul Museum, Jongno District

To Sept. 16: Rather than just putting on a display of beautiful dresses and fancy wedding ceremonies, this exhibition highlights the many perspectives people have when it comes to the institution of marriage.

The exhibition is divided into two parts: First, “The Stories of 12 Brides” in which each of the 12 sections revolves around a fictional bride and her story, and second, “Show Must Go On,” a retrospective of Korea’s first male fashion designer, Andre Kim (1935-2010). Each part of “The Stories of 12 Brides” tells a fictional anecdote of characters from famous movies, books and dramas and displays a dress for the women and artwork that expresses their stories through different mediums.

Admission is 11,000 won ($9.75) for adults and includes admission to Seokpajeong, the summer residence of King Gojong’s father, which is located behind the museum.

Take buses No. 1020, 1711, 7016, 7018, 7022 or 7212 to the Jahamun Tunnel stop.

(02) 395-0100, www.seoulmuseum.org

NIKI DE SAINT PHALLE: WORKS FROM THE MASUDA COLLECTION

Hangaram Art Museum in the Seoul Arts Center, Seocho District

To Sept. 25: The large-scale retrospective of Niki de Saint Phalle (1930-2002), a French artist famous for a series of boldly colorful, half-abstract sculptures of plump women called “Nana,” features 127 works including sculptures, paintings, illustrated letters and furniture designs. They are from Japan’s Masuda Collection founded by Yoko Masuda, a fan and patron of de Saint Phalle.

The exhibition helps viewers reconstruct de Saint Phalle’s dramatic life with her works arranged in chronological order, as well as showing the friendship between the two.

Admission is 14,000 won for adults. To get to the Seoul Arts Center, get off at Nambu Bus Terminal Station, line No. 3, exit 4-2 or 5.

(02) 580-1300, www.sacticket.co.kr

THE LAST MASTER OF JOSEON:

JANG SEUNG-EOP X CHIHWASEON

Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Jung District

To Nov. 30: Jang Seung-eop (1843-1897) was one of the greatest painters of the Joseon Dynasty, believed to have pioneered the contemporary painting genre in Korea. Despite having no proper art education, his natural gift for creating a sensual aesthetic on the canvas allowed him to be remembered today as a master and revolutionary painter. Kansong Art and Culture Foundation’s latest exhibition at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza allows visitors to really get to know the painter through many of his original works.

Admission costs 10,000 won. The venue is closed on Mondays. Go to Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station, lines No. 2, 4 and 5, exit 1.

(02) 577-8415, www.ddp.or.kr