2008. 10. 9 Event Calendar
GALLERY IHNTo Saturday: “Pintura.” This is an exhibition of stills from movie scenes manipulated and arranged by the artist Girbent.
According to the artist, an interface between the past and the future is called “the moment.” Girbent tries to create this “moment” using stills from movies or his own photographs that share common aspects and that represent something that we cannot recognize with our own eyes.
In other words, the work itself offers us another way to look at a particular object through one single frame.
As you enter the exhibition space, you are confronted with familiar scenes: visitors in prominent venues such as the Louvre Museum. Girbent depicts viewers who are posing next to the paintings of Michelangelo and Velazquez or gazing at the artworks.
Girbent introduced museum scenes in his artworks as he prefers spaces where there are thick crowds of people in order to capture the current of reality.
“Pintura” implies the act of painting upon a plain canvas. However, Girbent’s form of painting is one in which the camera captures the moment.
He paints it and depicts the very moment when he takes a photo. There are hidden philosophical ideas in his paintings.
Through this exhibition, the variety of thoughts and memories allows us to consider the meaning of the moment.
The gallery is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Sunday.
Anguk Station, line No. 3, exit 1; Gyeongbokgung Station, line No. 3, exit 2; Gwanghwamun Station, line No. 5, exit 2
(02) 732-4677, www.galleryihn.com
SEOUL MUSEUM OF ART
From Wednesday to Nov. 30: “Reading the Boundary Between Fiction and Nonfiction.” This exhibition introduces readers to how artists’ literary concepts are conveyed to curators, creating a bond between them.
The exhibition also depicts how interpreting art begins with the understanding of conceptualized art, and how artists express their unique vision.
Presenting artworks that reveal the artists’ sensibilities, the exhibition questions the boundary between reality and unreality, fiction and nonfiction, the concept and the image.
It is possible to record reality based on the fact that photographs and visual media are not just tools that record images. They now can control and create entirely new situations.
This phenomenon is not simply drawn from the characteristics of the media, but also from the attempts of the artists to pull up the hidden stories formed under the multidimensional culture and social structures of the 21st century, expressing this sensibility in their works.
The exhibition enables visitors to think about these issues in various ways through the artists’ own styles.
The museum opens at 10 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday, closing at 9 p.m. on weekdays and 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays.
Admission is 8,000 won ($6) to 12,000 won.
City Hall Station, line No. 1, exit 1, line No. 2, exit 11, 12; Gwanghwamun Station, line No. 5, exit 5 or Seodaemun Station, line No. 5, exit 5
(02) 2124-8800, www.seoulmoa.org
SUNGKOK ART MUSEUM
Oct. 30 to Jan. 11: “The Power of Photography - 21 French Contemporary Photographers.” “The Power of Photography” is a full-scale exhibition representative of contemporary French photographers.
Relative to the span of art, photography has rapidly become a preferred medium of creative expression. In this postmodern era, the preference for photographic images has surpassed even that of paintings.
This trend has been greatly enhanced due to technological advances that allow images to be more easily manipulated and reproduced. The connection to photography stems from its use as a key tool in historical records, advertising and mass media.
As time has progressed, we have begun to move away from the simple linear view of photography. It has evolved from mere event recording and journalistic support into its own distinctive artistic genre.
The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed on Mondays.
Admission is 5,000 won for adults and 3,000 won for children and students.
Gwanghwamun Station, line No. 5, exit 7
(02) 737-7650, www.sungkokmuseum.com
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SEOUL ARTS CENTER, Towol Theater
Friday to Saturday: “Othello.” The successful Munich-based Munchner Kammerspiele Theater is performing “Othello” under director Luk Percevall, known to Koreans for his 2007 production of “Death of a Salesman” here.
William Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy revolves around four central characters: Othello, his wife Desdemona, his lieutenant Cassio and his trusted adviser Iago. With themes of racism, love, jealousy and betrayal, the play remains relevant to the present day.
Percevall’s Othello was first performed in 2006 and had an extended run at the Royal Shakespeare Theater in England. In this play, the characters’ anger and sorrow will be intensified through the music of well-known pianist Jens Thomas.
The show will be staged at 8 p.m. on Friday and 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Tickets range from 40,000 won to 50,000 won.
Nambu Bus Terminal Station, line No. 3, exit 5
(02) 3673-2561, www.sac.or.kr
JAMSIL SPORTS COMPLEX
Wednesday to Nov. 19: “Allegria, Cirque du Soleil.” Debuting in 1994, “Allegria” has now become one of Cirque du Soleil’s most popular troupes traveling around the world. The show has been described as “the most beautifully choreographed performance that will make you laugh, cry and even gasp in awe.”
The word allegria means“happiness”in Spanish, thus the aim of the show is to portray the joy of life. Allegria, which is said to be similar to “Quidam,” will be directed by Franco Dragone and performed by 55 artists from 17 different countries.
For two hours, audiences will gripped by the tension and splendor of artistic acrobatics and striking music.
The show is staged at 8 p.m. on weekdays (except for Mondays), 4 and 8 p.m. on Saturdays and 3 and 7 p.m. on Sundays.
Tickets range from 50,000 won to 110,000 won.
Sports Complex Station, line No. 2, exit 6
(02) 541-3150, www.cirquedusoleil.co.kr
NARU ART CENTER
Oct.18 to Dec.14: “Musical - Maria Maria.” The Korean musical “Maria Maria” is celebrating its 600th performance in just five years. The musical won the grand prize at the Korean Musical Awards and was the first Asian musical to be invited to perform at the New York Musical Theater Festival.
The plot is loosely based on the biblical story of Mary Magdalene. She is portrayed as a prostitute who is paid by the Pharisees to tempt Jesus, but fails to do so. She tries to escape, seeking someone to save her as the Pharisees attempt to kill her.
The show is noted for its talented singers and their amazing voices.
The show is staged at 8 p.m. weekdays (except Mondays), 3 and 7 p.m. on Saturdays and 2 and 6 p.m. on Sundays.
Tickets range from 30,000 won to 65,000 won.
Konkuk University Station, line No. 2, exit 5
(02) 2049-4700, www.themaria.co.kr
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SEOUL ARTS CENTER, Free Small Theater
Friday to Saturday: “Seoul Meeting Free Music.” The Seoul Art Center’s “Seoul Meeting Free Music” concert is back with a new sound.
The lineup for this weekend’s concert consists of 19 renowned performers, including saxophonist Kang Tae-hwan and trumpeter Choi Sun-bae, who have promised to deliver passionate performances.
The first SMFM was particularly memorable as Korean artists experimented with collective free improvisation. Since then, people have been amazed by the progress of the program.
This time, the concert’s mission is to show that “jazz is alive.”
Shows will held at 8 p.m. on Friday and 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Tickets cost 30,000 won for all seats.
Nambu Bus Terminal Station, line No. 3, exit 5
(02 )747-5741, www.sac.or.kr
EWHA WOMANS UNIVERSITY, Auditorium
Saturday: “Michael Hoppe’s Nostalgia 2008.” New Age pianist and composer Michael Hoppe is returning to Korea to perform his “Nostalgia” concert.
Hoppe has prepared a concert specifically for Korean audiences that features young Korean artists such as players of the gayageum (a stringed instrument) and harmonica master Jun Jae-deok.
Under the theme of “communication,” referring to the relationship between Michael Hoppe and Korean instruments and artists, the concert will try to show the beauty of traditional Korean music.
During the concert, photographic works by Hoppe’s grandfather, Emil Otto Hoppe, from the early 20th century, will be shown to enable concertgoers to confront the past and realize that humanism is always present in the world, even in times of hardship and poverty.
Funds from the concert will go toward aid for North Korean children suffering from tuberculosis.
The concert begins at 7 p.m.
Tickets range from 40,000 won to 100,000 won.
Ewha Womans University Station, line No. 2, exit 2 or 3
(02) 2052-1386, www.interpark.co.kr
SEOUL ARTS CENTER, Concert Hall
Monday: “Dave Koz Concert.” Six-time Grammy-nominated American saxophonist Dave Koz will showcase his unique jazz styles in Korea next week.
Dave Koz is known as one of the top saxophonists in the genre of smooth jazz. With his fashionable style, Koz has been described as “an artist for modern city dwellers.”
Koz has worked with Celine Dion, Ray Charles and many other stars, giving emotional performances that blend his smooth style with a degree of freshness.
He also released a greatest hits album last month.
The concert begins at 8 p.m.
Tickets range from 40,000 won to 100,000 won.
Nambu Bus Terminal, line No. 3, exit 5
(02) 599-5743, www.vincero.co.kr
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KOREAN BASEBALL ORGANIZATION
Today
Lotte Giants vs. Samsung Lions
Sajik, 6 p.m.
Saturday
Samsung Lions vs. Lotte Giants
Daegu, 2 p.m.
Sunday
Samsung Lions vs. Lotte Giants
Daegu, 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday
Lotte Giants vs. Samsung Lions
Sajik, 6 p.m.
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2008 GWANGJU KIMCHI FESTIVAL, South Jeolla Province
Wednesday to Oct. 19: Other than rice, what do Koreans eat almost every meal? In Jeolla, there will an opportunity for people to learn all about Korea’s national dish, kimchi, at the 2008 Gwangju Kimchi Festival.
Since 1994, the festival has been held annually for people to learn more about kimchi and learn different ways to make the delicacy.
Apart from the popular kimchi buffet, other major events include a gayageum performance, a hanbok (traditional costume) fashion show and the Kimchi Concert, during which popular Korean singers will perform.
Visitors will also have the chance to play traditional folk games.
The festival will be held around Gwangju Municipal Folk Museum.
From Seoul, take a flight, train or express bus to Gwangju. There will be a free shuttle bus heading to the festival from Gwangju Airport and Gwangju Train Station every day during the festival. The shuttle buses will run five to six times a day.
(02) 613-3642, www.kimchi.gwangju.kr
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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