Seoul Children's Grand Park, 'Companion, My Partner and Friend' Online Exhibition

38 Pet-Themed Works Depicting Abandonment, Abuse, Happiness, and Comfort on Display

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Seoul Facilities Corporation's Seoul Children's Grand Park announced on the 27th that it will hold an online art exhibition titled 'Companion, My Partner and Friend' from the 1st to the 30th of next month.

The exhibition features 38 artworks centered on companion animals. These works are by Seonhwa Animal Guardians, the animal protection club of the art department at Seonhwa Arts High School, which has been holding exhibitions on animal-themed works in collaboration with the corporation since 2015.

The exhibition is divided into two parts: 'The Other Side of Companion Animals,' which criticizes animal abandonment and abuse, and 'Happy Memories with Companion Animals,' which expresses joyful times with pets. It reflects on the preciousness of companion animals as living beings, while also showing gratitude and happiness derived from the unconditional love and comfort they provide.

First, in 'The Other Side of Companion Animals (Part 1),' the precarious conditions of abandoned animals are depicted. Notably, the work titled 'Return Home (by Han Ye-won)' portrays a rabbit abandoned in the forest, appearing anxious, rendered in monochrome on traditional Korean paper (hanji). The contrast between the title 'Return Home' and the rabbit's uneasy appearance draws attention. 'Happy Memories with Companion Animals (Part 2)' creates a bright atmosphere, focusing on the joy pets bring and the comfort they provide. 'Wavelets (by Kim Ian)' captures a moment of dogs enjoying happy times at the beach on canvas. '2017.3.04. (by Song Seo-jin)' uses colored pencils to express the specialness of an ordinary day spent with a companion animal.

Acting Director Lee Ki-sung said, “We hope this online exhibition will contribute to a mature companion culture and animal welfare,” adding, “We will do our best to further develop Seoul Children's Grand Park as a place where people and animals coexist.”