Korea-inspired artist from Athens opens first exhibition in Seoul

Diplomacy

Published: 12 Apr. 2023, 17:16 Updated: 12 Apr. 2023, 18:02

Korea-inspired artist from Athens opens first exhibition in Seoul

Angeliki Angelidis with her work ″Almonds″ at her exhibition ″Climbing″ at Keunsam Gallery in central Seoul on Wednesday. [ESTHER CHUNG]

The paintings of Greek artist Angeliki Angelidis, being showcased for the first time in Korea, tell stories of light, shadows, and where yin and yang meet the civilizations of the West.

“My paintings tell stories inspired by the Korean ways of thinking and philosophies,” Angelidis said at a press conference hosted at the Keumsan Gallery in central Seoul on Wednesday.

The exhibition “Climbing” showcases 24 works by Angelidis, many of which are about bringing together Greek and Korean thoughts and elements.

For instance, paintings such as “Air-Sky,” “Fire,” “Water” and “Earth” were inspired by the four elements that are represented in the Korean national flag called Taegeukgi, with each of the paintings incorporating symbolic Greek elements such as the blue hues and waves of the Aegean, Mediterranean and the Ionian seas.

″Air-Sky″ by Angeliki Angelidis [ANGELIKI ANGELIDIS]

“Earth,” a piece that couldn’t make it to the exhibition in Korea as it had been purchased, also incorporates a map of Seoul.

Another painting included in this exhibition, “Dream,” may appear to resemble cherry blossom trees, a common sight in Korea whose blooms herald the beginning of spring.

“The tree may remind Korean viewers of cherry blossoms, but it can also easily be an almond tree for the Greek viewers,” said Angelidis, adding that was how she had intended her pieces to be — a collection of puzzle pieces about Korea and Greece, in which any local from either country may find something to remind them of home.

Ekaterini Loupas, Greek ambassador to Korea, said the exhibition is actually a full-circle reflection of the Greek interest in Korea, which began with the Greek soldiers and nurses’ participation in the 1950-53 Korean War.

“Seventy years ago, Korea was calling on Greece under a different circumstance,” Loupas said. “Today I am very glad that Angeliki has been called to Korea for another reason. It is very important to have art connect the two countries, to be able to communicate and be inspired by each other’s civilizations.”

Angeliki Angelidis, who also goes by her Korean name Cheonsa, center, and Ekaterini Loupas, Greek ambassador to Korea, right, speak with the press at the Keumsan Gallery in Seoul on Wednesday. [KEUMSAN GALLERY]

Angelidis has been studying Asian culture and its history since 2020. She showcased some of her Korea-inspired works for the first time at the Municipality of Athens the same year.

“As I read up on the Asian civilizations, stretching from India to China, I discovered the nation of Korea, a country that may seem small but is actually mighty,” said Angelidis. “The more I found out about Korea, the more I was drawn into the mystery of this country.”

Since then, Angelidis has been signing her paintings with her Korean name, Cheonsa, and has been learning the Korean language too — polished enough to give an introduction to her exhibition in Korean.

″Flowers″ by Angeliki Angelidis [ANGELIKI ANGELIDIS]

Most recently, Angelidis hosted exhibitions in Paris and in Brussels, including one at the European External Action Service earlier this year, and exhibitions in Ankara, Mykonos and Athens last year.

"Climbing" is open at the Keumsan Gallery from Thursday until May 9, and an additional set of her works will also be showcased at the Galleries Art Fair at Coex in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, through April 16.

BY ESTHER CHUNG [chung.juhee@joongang.co.kr]