Gwangju Shinsegae Gallery, Special Exhibition of Gwangju Museum of Art Collections

'Masters of Korean Art'... Exhibition of 19 Works by 9 Artists

Gwangju Shinsegae Gallery announced on the 21st that it will hold the "Special Exhibition of Gwangju Museum of Art Collection: Masters of Korean Art" until the 4th of next month.

The exhibition showcases 19 works by 9 artists from the 5,385 pieces in the Gwangju Museum of Art's collection (as of the completion of acquisition in 2022). It is gaining attention as an opportunity to directly appreciate original works by masters who have left their mark on Korean art history, as well as a meeting of two long-standing art institutions operating in Gwangju.

Representing the city of art, Gwangju Museum of Art has been conducting various programs such as special exhibitions, educational and cultural events, and artist creation support since its opening in 1992. By collecting 5,385 modern and contemporary artworks, it researches and preserves the history, society, and culture of Honam and Korea, presenting future values and directions while shaping the identity of Gwangju’s art culture.

Gwangju Shinsegae Gallery, which opened in 1995 three years after the museum and the year of the first Gwangju Biennale, has hosted the "Gwangju Shinsegae Art Festival," invitational exhibitions for award-winning artists, themed exhibitions, and art seminars. Located on the first floor of the department store connected to Gwangju Intercity Bus Terminal, it has established itself as a representative space where people can encounter art in their daily lives.

The "Special Exhibition of Gwangju Museum of Art Collection: Masters of Korean Art" was planned to continue the cooperation between Gwangju Museum of Art and Gwangju Shinsegae Gallery for the development of Gwangju’s art culture.

This exhibition is not merely about showcasing the main collection of the Gwangju Museum of Art but is also designed to introduce the museum’s key functions to visitors of the gallery.

Generally, a museum’s functions are threefold: ▲ to ‘collect and preserve’ artworks of high art historical value ▲ to ‘research’ artworks and artists’ activities centered on the collection ▲ and to ‘exhibit’ based on the research findings.

Among the works collected and researched by the Gwangju Museum of Art over more than 30 years, there are treasured pieces by artists who have made their names in art history.

It is expected that through this special exhibition, the museum’s collection will meet a wider audience.

The "Special Exhibition of Gwangju Museum of Art Collection: Masters of Korean Art" presents 19 works by 9 artists representing Korean art, including Kim Whanki, a pioneer of Korean abstract art; Oh Jiho, representing Korean impressionistic style; and Cheon Kyungja, known for paintings of flowers and women, all from Jeonnam Province, as well as Park Seo-bo, Seo Seok, Lee Ufan, Lee Ungno, Lee Jung-seop, and Ha Chonghyun.

In particular, by directly viewing original works that were previously encountered only in art textbooks or auction breakthrough news and thus felt somewhat distant, visitors are expected to experience the emotions conveyed by masterpieces firsthand and have an opportunity to narrow the distance with art.

A representative of Gwangju Shinsegae Gallery said, “Not only did more visitors come than usual, but the exhibition viewing time also significantly increased, showing the visitors’ interest in the exhibition. We will continue to cooperate with local cultural and artistic circles, including the Gwangju Museum of Art, for the development of the region’s art culture.”

Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Dongho Shin yjm3070@asiae.co.kr