2013.3.20 MUSEUMS & GALLERIES

VAN GOGH IN PARIS

Hangaram Design Museum of Seoul Arts Center, Seocho District

To Sunday: The show focuses on the Paris period of Vincent Van Gogh, one of the world’s most beloved painters. The Dutch artist stayed in the French capital from March 1886 to February 1888. Most of the 60 oil paintings on display, including “Self-Portrait with Grey Felt Hat,” were done during this period. This exhibition shows how his style changed dramatically in Paris with the use of bright colors and bold strokes, and flat color without shadows. The change came from van Gogh’s encounter with Japanese woodblock prints called ukiyo-e, as well as French Impressionist paintings. “Portrait of Pere Tanguy” shows the artist’s fascination with ukiyo-e.

Admission is 15,000 won ($13.50). Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The museum is closed on the last Monday of each month. Go to Nambu Bus Terminal Station, line No. 3, exit 5, and walk five minutes.

1588-2618, www.vangogh2.com

MUSEI VATICANI

Hangaram Art Museum of Seoul Arts Center, Seocho District

To March 31: The exhibition features about 70 paintings, sculptures and other art from the collections of the Vatican Museums. Most of the exhibits are works by Italian Renaissance, Mannerist and Baroque painters. They include “St. Jerome in the Wilderness,” an unfinished painting by the famous High-Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci, and “Charity,” a panel illustration by Raphael. They also include “The Annunciation” by Mannerist painter Giuseppe Cesari.

Admission is 15,000 won for adults. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The museum is closed on the last Monday of each month.

Go to Nambu Bus Terminal Station, line No. 3, exit 5, and walk five minutes.

1544-8755, www.museivaticani.co.kr

JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT

Kukje Gallery, Jongno District

To March 31: This is a solo show of Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960-1988), who started as a graffiti artist on the streets of New York and quickly evolved into an internationally acclaimed neo-expressionist.

The exhibition features 18 works the American painter made between 1981 and 1988 until he died an early death from drug overdose.

The gallery explained in a release that his paintings are characterized by eclectic references to historic black heroes, comic books, anatomy, graffiti and issues of race.

Admission is free. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and until 5 p.m. Sunday. Go to Anguk Station, line No. 3, exit 1, and walk 10 minutes.

(02) 735-8449, www.kukje.org

MY FRIENDS, MY COLLECTION

Gana Art Center, Jongno District

To April 14: About 50 of local collectors’ favorite pieces are on display to celebrate the gallery’s 30th anniversary.

They include works by important Korean modern painters such as Kim Whanki and Western contemporary stars including American pop artist Roy Lichtenstein and English sculptor Henry Moore. They also include Korean antiques such as white porcelain from the Joseon period.

The gallery is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Go to Gyeongbokgung Station, line No. 3, exit 3, and take bus No. 1711 to the Lotte Apartment stop.

(02) 720-1020, www.ganaart.com

GOOD LABOR BAD ART

Plateau, Jung District

To May 26: This is a solo show of Korean conceptual artist Gimhongsok.

Some of the works on display show what the playful artist calls “autonomous and original translation” with satirical tones. They include “Canine Construction,” which resembles the famous “Balloon Dog” by American neo-pop artist Jeff Koons, but unlike his expensive shiny creation, looks like it was made with black garbage bags. Gimhongsok presents works made of waste that remains after the production and delivery of sculptures and installations, reflecting his questions about “the center and margin.” With other works, Gimhongsok raises the issue of “hidden labor” of people who participate in the production and delivery of art but stand in the shadows behind the artist.

Admission is 3,000 won for adults. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and is closed Monday.

Go to City Hall Station, line No. 1 or 2, exit 8, and walk for five minutes.

1577-7595, www.plateau.or.kr

By Moon So-young