2011.11.17 MUSEUMS & GALLERIES

DRAWING FOR A WHILE

Kukje Gallery, Jongno District

To Dec. 6: This is a solo exhibition of Korean artist U Sun-ok, also a professor at Ewha Womans University.

The artist is known for abstract compositions that showcase a distinctly Korean interpretation of the void. “Drawing for a While” comprises installations, drawings and video works that follow this same ideal.

One of the works in the exhibition, “We are All Passengers,” is set up at the entrance. It portrays the artist’s meditative thoughts on our short-lived, fleeting lives and shows that she is merely “drawing for a while.”

U Sun-ok’s works focus on the nonexistent and intangible, seen as a passing moment in certain conditions and environments.

This is alluded to in “Moon Walk,” a video that depicts the artist being followed endlessly by the moon throughout her daily life.

Admission is free. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Mondays to Saturdays and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
Anguk Station, line No. 3, exit 1
(02) 735-8449, www.kukjegallery.com

LIQUIDE COMMUNE

PKM Gallery, Jongno District

To Dec. 16: This exhibition features the work of established Korean artist Minouk Lim in two parts.

Part I is presented in the form of screenings and videos that are made into a single loop in the screening room of the first floor of the gallery. Through these videos, Lim comments on the social, economic and political disorder of modern Korea within its accelerated and frenetic climb toward globalization.

Part II features newly produced sculptures, hangings and drawings.

In utilizing a diverse array of materials that are typically unused and discarded in today’s society, Lim alludes to the possibility of alternative modes of experience.

For example, “M Alone” is designed as hand-knitted hemp cords. Created in the image of an ascending monumental tower heading toward an ideal future, it also appears to be dragged and weighed down by a troubled history.

Admission is free. The gallery is open from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is closed on weekends.
Go to Anguk Station, line No. 3, exit 1, and walk for about 5 minutes.
(02) 734-9467, www.pkmgallery.com

COURT PAINTERS OF THE JOSEON DYNASTY

Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, Hannam-dong

To Jan. 29, 2012: This exhibition features about 110 paintings by hwawon, or court painters, who were responsible for the production of paintings for the state as employees of Dohwaseo, the state bureau of painting in the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). According to Leeum, it is the first exhibition dedicated to the hwawon, who were given a low social status despite their important role and the popularity of their work.

The show is divided into two sections. The first features paintings that hwawon created for the court and royal household. Included are documentary paintings showing court events and ceremonies, portraits of kings and high-ranking officials and decorative paintings such as peony paintings for screens used at royal weddings. The highlight of the section is “Royal Palanquin Procession,” a nearly 10-meter-long painting depicting a procession of King Gojong and his family in the late 19th century.

The second section features paintings created by hwawon for private patrons, including noblemen and wealthy aristocrats. The section includes paintings of Taoist immortals by Kim Hong-do (1745-after 1806), who is regarded as one of the greatest old masters in Korean art history.

Admission is 7,000 won ($6.30). Hours are from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays.
Hangangjin Station, line No. 6, exit 1
(02) 2014-6900, www.leeum.org

TELL ME TELL ME

National Museum of Contemporary Art, Gwacheon

To Feb. 19: This show arrives in Korea after having opened in a Sydney suburb this summer.

The collaboration between Korea’s National Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) in Sydney features 130 artworks from both museums’ collections, highlighting the historical and ongoing connections between Australian and Korean art.

According to the museums, the show was inspired by Korean-born video art pioneer Paik Nam-june’s 1976 visit to Sydney and the 1976 Sydney Biennale, in which some Korean artists including minimalist Lee Ufan participated.

The exhibition includes Paik’s video work “Zen for TV” from MOCA. Also on display is Lee’s “Situation,” an installation of stone and electric light that evokes Zen philosophy.

The work was presented at the 1976 Sydney Biennale and is now part of the collection at Australia’s Mildura Arts Center Regional Gallery.

Admission is 5,000 won for adults. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays to Fridays and until 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Go to Seoul Grand Park Station, line No. 4, exit 4, and take the shuttle bus.
(02) 2188-6114, www.moca.go.kr.

*Information is culled from the galleries and other online sources.