National Heritage Administration Presents "Fragments of the Earth, Blossoming"
Reinterpreting Non-State-Designated Excavated Artifacts
Earthenware, roof tiles, and stone tools discovered in the soil are being reimagined as contemporary art at Deoksugung Palace.
The National Heritage Administration and the Korea Cultural Heritage Association are holding the Yedamgo Project Exhibition, "Fragments of the Earth, Blossoming," at Deoksugung Palace from November 4 to 16. The exhibition revisits the "life cycle" of excavated artifacts-from excavation, preservation, interpretation, creation, to sharing-from a contemporary perspective. By interpreting cultural relics, which once remained as vestiges of the past, through a modern lens, the exhibition presents them to visitors as "living culture."
Yedamgo is a historical and cultural space that utilizes unused facilities in different regions to store and manage non-state-designated artifacts. Non-state-designated artifacts refer to items that have been excavated but not selected as national heritage assets. Currently, there are four operating locations-in Chungcheong, Honam, Marine, and Yeongnam regions. When facilities are established in the capital area and Gangwon in 2028, there will be a total of six locations.
Eight artists are participating in the exhibition. Choi Sungwoo, a holder of National Intangible Heritage in Royal Floral Arrangements, interprets the moments of earthenware excavation at the four regional repositories through royal floral art. Floral artist Leo Kim and Kim Yujeong, curator at the Gyeongju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, present media art and botanical sculptures utilizing roof tiles from the Honam repository.
Textile artist Kim Eunha creates textile crafts inspired by lotus flowers, staged as if blossoming atop celadon from the Marine repository. The Korea National University of Cultural Heritage restores missing parts with plaster and offers new interpretations through traditional painting.
The National Heritage Administration has also prepared participatory events for visitors. On November 7 at 2 p.m. in Deokheungjeon Hall, artist Leo Kim will introduce and demonstrate his creative process. An interactive space where visitors can touch excavated artifacts has been set up in the Hamnyeongjeon corridor. On November 14, a traditional painting experience-coloring plaster sculptures-will be offered on-site.
The exhibition is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and is closed on Mondays when the palace is not open to the public. Registration begins at 9 a.m. on November 4 through the official Yedamgo website. Each session is limited to thirty participants.
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