Exhibition spotlights photos from the ivory tower

Alvin Mak’s “Untitled” is one of 49 works by overseas artists at the new exhibit in central Busan.Provided by the Society of Korean Photography

Photography professors are tested masters in their field, but sometimes it seems their work goes unnoticed in favor of unattached or edgier artists. The Society of Korean Photography aims to change that, with a large exhibit of photos and videos by respected domestic and foreign professors of photography.

Hosted at the GoEun Museum of Photography in Busan, the exhibition, titled International Festival for Photography and Video, showcases works of experienced domestic photographers and members of the Society of Korean photography as well as some well-known shutterbugs from abroad.

“Most of those involved in the exhibition are experienced photographers and professors. But there weren’t many opportunities to showcase their works collectively in one place in the past. We organized the exhibit for that purpose,” said Han Dong-gil of the society.

The domestic photographers are members of the society, who recommended the participants from overseas. A total of 146 works from 96 domestic photographers, and 49 photos from photographers in 11 other countries are on display.

“Many of the selected photographers studied abroad, so they naturally recommended some talented photographers they had met abroad to us for this exhibition. Mark Cohen, Boris Mikhailov and Alvin Mak are just a few recognizable names from abroad,” said Han.

The organizers felt the collection of contemporary photographs were not enough, so they decided to include videos. According to Han, such an exhibition is still uncommon here.

The five videos in the exhibit are 30 minutes long altogether, and are shown on an LCD TV display. A simple text introduction of the artist and essential information precedes each showing.

The Society of Korean Photography was founded in 1982 by professors and instructors in the field of photography. Currently, there are 347 members and associate members.

By Jason Kim Staff Reporter [jason@joongang.co.kr]

The GoEun Museum of Photography is located in Busan near Haeundae Station, Busan line No. 2, exit 3. For information, see www.goeunmuseum.org or call (051) 746-0055.