Grand Prize at Korean Buddhist Art Exhibition...Choi Yunsu's "On the Way to You"

Awards Ceremony on November 26 at Ara Art Center
Exhibition Runs from November 26 to December 3

The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism announced on the 17th that it has selected "On the Way to You" (sculpture category) by Choi Yunsu as the Grand Prize winner of the Korean Buddhist Art Exhibition, which is regarded as the most prestigious event in Buddhist art. The work was highly praised for its harmonious blend of form and meaning, technique and emotion.

"On the Way to You" by Choi Yoonsoo, selected as the Grand Prize winner of the Korean Buddhist Art Exhibition. Provided by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism.

This competition accepted submissions from September 22 to 24, and the judging for each category took place at Bongeun Culture Center on October 12. This year, a total of 219 works were submitted-108 in painting, 28 in sculpture, 58 in crafts, and 25 in media art-representing an increase of approximately 38% compared to the previous year.

The head judge of the Buddhist Art Exhibition stated, "This year's entries stood out for expressing 'enlightenment' through both traditional and contemporary languages, making this a meaningful occasion that reaffirmed the potential for Buddhist art to expand. We hope this event continues the tradition of Korean Buddhist culture and becomes a venue for spiritual practice and propagation through art."

Three works were selected for the Excellence Award: "Bulinshimsang" by Choi Hyunhee in the painting category, "Face to Face" by Hong Woojin in the crafts category (Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Award), and "Flower Garland Sutra Verse" by Cho Miyoung in the painting category (National Heritage Administration Award). All three works were recognized for their modern interpretations of Buddhist philosophy and their artistic completeness.

The Merit Award went to "Mandala Drawn with a Single Pen" by Kim Jeongsim and "Guardian Painting of Gimryongsa Temple" by Kim Minji in the painting category, "Breath" by Ahn Gyeongjin in the sculpture category, and "Golden Narrative" by Kim Minju in the crafts category.

For the Encouragement Award, a total of seven works were selected: "Beom-eo Yongseung" by Lee Sanghoon, "Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara and Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva Samantabhadra Chapter" by Kim Mihui, "Hoeamsa Temple, Once Again at That Place" by Cho Minkyeong, "Gaesimsa Yeongsanhoe Gwaebultang" by Lee Myungsoo in the painting category, "Avalokiteshvara and the Other Shore" by Nam Jinseok, "Unfinished Maitreya Buddha" by Choi Kyungrak in the sculpture category, and "Bronze Bowl with Silver Inlay" by Song Eunseon in the crafts category. In addition, 10 works received the Special Selection Award, and 31 works were chosen for the Honorable Mention.

The awards ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. on November 26 at Ara Art Center in Insa-dong.