Say bye-bye to puzzling paintings
Published: 16 Jan. 2008, 22:02
An eye stares back at you, filled with blue sky and clouds.
Looking at Magritte’s picture is like solving a puzzle ― it’s just hard to figure out.
For most people, looking at such a painting is not enough to fully understand it.
Savina Museum of Contemporary Art in central Seoul is currently offering special classes on understanding contemporary artwork by Korean artists.
Professional art educators Yoon Hee-eun and Cho Young-eun give detailed gallery tours twice a day at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m for a project called “The Way to See a Drawing.”
The exhibition is being held in response to public demand.
People want to know what they are looking at when they view art.
Last year, the museum asked people who visited their previous exhibitions about their concerns when viewing art.
The majority said they wanted more in-depth appreciation.
The museum selected 18 Korean contemporary artists, including Ahn Chang-hong, Jung Bok-soo and Kim Myung-sook.
Yoon focuses on their work in the first part of the tour.
Visitors also study unique artworks by artists such as Yoo Guen-taek’s “Pungdung (With a Splash).”
Yoo creates an unfamiliar composition depicting a flooded town using everyday items such as toys and toilets.
“A museum’s main function is to display and collect artworks and at the same time educate the public,” said the curator Hwang Jung-in.
“Our exhibition encourages the public’s urge to acquire knowledge.”
The exhibition runs until Feb. 2. To reach the museum, go to at Anguk Station, line No. 3, exit 1. Entrance is 2,000 won ($2.13) for adults and 1,000 won for students. English is only available for only those who book in advance. Call (02) 736-4371 or visit www.savinamuseum.com for more details.
By Lee Eun-joo Contributing Writer [estyle@joongang.co.kr]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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