Gallery Sein & National Museum of Korea
Tiger Theme and Other Paintings Exhibition
Seoul Museum of Art & International Gallery
Domestic Masters Birth and Death Commemorative Exhibition
Gallery Hyundai & Leeum Museum of Art
First Solo Exhibition of Renowned Foreign Artists
[Asia Economy Reporter Donghyun Choi] Riding on the heated momentum of last year's art market boom, a variety of exhibitions will be held this year at major domestic art museums and galleries. To welcome the new year of Im In-nyeon (壬寅年), exhibitions exploring the strong image and symbolism of the tiger are opening one after another, infusing visitors with the energy of the new year. The offerings have become even richer, including commemorative exhibitions celebrating the birth or passing of domestic masters as well as first solo exhibitions of famous overseas artists.
Receive the Tiger's Energy
The main theme of exhibitions held early in the year is the tiger. Gallery Sein in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, will open its first exhibition of the year on the 6th, titled "Roar, Here Comes the Tiger," which interprets the image of the tiger appearing in Korean culture through the sculptural language of 10 artists. About 50 works including paintings, sculptures, calligraphy, and crafts will be displayed.
In this exhibition, artist Baek Seo-jin presents the 'Ho (虎)' (2021) series. The ink paintings on traditional Korean paper convey the strength of the black tiger and Korean traditional beauty. A piece depicting a tiger watching a butterfly in a flower garden, rendered in ink and color painting, gives a comforting feeling as if entering a world of innocence. Artist Lee Tae-ho focused on the tiger depicted in the murals of Anak Tomb No. 3, a Goguryeo tomb built 357 years ago. This mural is presumed to be the first tiger painting in Korean art history. Lee submitted "Goguryeo Vine Pattern and Tiger Face" (2020), an ink and light color painting expressing the tiger's face and vine patterns from this mural, to the exhibition.
Joseon folk painting "Hojakdo" created in the 19th century. It is currently on display at the National Museum of Korea to celebrate the New Year of the Im-in year.
The National Museum of Korea also gathered 18 tiger paintings for its New Year themed exhibition. The collection mainly consists of Joseon Dynasty works such as "Yonghodo (Dragon and Tiger Painting)" and "Hojakdo (Tiger and Magpie Painting)." A representative from the National Museum of Korea said, "Since ancient times, tigers have been regarded as beings that ward off evil spirits, so at the start of the new year, tiger paintings were hung outside every home," adding, "We hope visitors gain vigorous energy by appreciating the various depictions of tigers." The National Palace Museum of Korea also selected 22 'Ingeom (寅劒),' ceremonial swords made by the Joseon royal family symbolizing the tiger, as the curator's recommended artifacts for January and is showcasing them in the permanent exhibition hall's Science and Culture Room.
Retrospectives of Domestic Masters in Succession
There will also be opportunities to revisit the artistic worlds of famous domestic artists. At the Seosomun Main Building of the Seoul Museum of Art, a centennial commemorative exhibition for Kwon Jin-gyu (1922?1973), a pioneer of modern and contemporary Korean sculpture, will be held in March. Kwon built a unique artistic world through techniques such as terracotta and lacquered wood (geonchil). Major works, including the 'Kwon Jin-gyu Collection' donated by the artist's family and the Kwon Jin-gyu Memorial Association, will be displayed.
Kwon Jin-kyu's 'Domo' (1951). The Seoul Museum of Art will hold a commemorative exhibition in March celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of Kwon Jin-kyu, a pioneer of modern and contemporary sculpture.
Yu Youngkuk's 'Work' (1962). In June, an exhibition commemorating the 20th anniversary of Yu Youngkuk's passing will be held at International Gallery Seoul branch.
The exhibition closing the first half of this year is a 20th anniversary memorial exhibition for abstract art master Yoo Young-guk (1916?2002). It will be held in June at the International Gallery Seoul under the title "The Mountain Is Within Me." About 50 works created by Yoo between the 1960s and 1980s will be introduced. To reexamine the artist's world and legacy, works from major institutions and museums, including the "Lee Kun-hee Collection," will also be brought in.
The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Deoksugung branch, will open the centennial commemorative exhibition for sculptor Moon Shin (1923?1995) in July, marking the start of exhibitions in the second half of the year. Moon, a first-generation sculptor, is one of the few masters in the history of modern Korean sculpture. He realized a balanced sculptural world with vertical structures using materials such as ebony, bronze, and stainless steel.
Sculptor Moon Shin's 'Towards the Universe' (1988). The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Deoksugung, will hold an exhibition in July to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Moon Shin's birth.
Domestic Debut Exhibitions of Famous Overseas Artists
Works by artists who have not been well introduced in Korea until now will also be exhibited in various places. Gallery Hyundai will hold the Asian premiere of German female artist Sabine Moritz's exhibition in March. Living and working in Cologne, Germany, Sabine Moritz has gained international recognition by holding exhibitions at major European institutions and galleries. The exhibition will be filled with the artist's new works.
The Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art will host the Asian first solo exhibition of Chinese-American artist Ian Cheng in March. Ian Cheng plans to showcase experimental computer art using artificial intelligence (AI), game engines, and interactive technologies.
The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul branch, will present the first solo exhibition in Korea of German media art master Hito Steyerl in April. Hito Steyerl is an artist who has comprehensively explored sharp socio-cultural issues such as the digital era and global capitalism through film, video, and writing. A large number of new works on the theme of the COVID-19 pandemic will be unveiled.
The first solo exhibition in Korea of Thai contemporary artist Korakrit Arunanondchai will be held in December at the International Gallery. He actively explores various themes such as memories of his grandfather, Buddhism, Thai animism, and the democracy movement. The exhibition will feature paintings and installation works.
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