Korean contemporary art exhibition to begin on November 8

The Korean Cultural Centre India (KCCI) will host a group exhibition featuring five prominent Korean contemporary artists from November 8, 2024 to January 3, 2025. The exhibition, titled “Center: Indomitable Spirit”, will showcase works by Ahn Chang Hong, Kim Keun Joong, Hong Kyoung Tack, Lee Gil Woo, and Kim Deok Han at KCCI’s gallery.

The exhibition explores themes of resilience and human will in the face of a challenging modern society, focusing on the central aspects of identity, culture, and empathy. According to KCCI, the concept of “Center” expands from the physical to the mental and cultural centre of human experience, while the subtitle “Indomitable Spirit” represents the perseverance of the artists.

Ahn Chang Hong’s work addresses individuals impacted by the turbulent events of modern history, with pieces like “Family Photo,” “Face,” and “Nameless” capturing the disillusionment and unrest experienced by those affected. Known for rejecting institutionalized art, Ahn’s bold strokes emphasize existential questions surrounding life and death.

Kim Keun Joong approaches art as a liberation of consciousness, exploring themes of freedom through symbolic and metaphorical elements. Influenced by the vibrant hues of the Donhwang Mural, Kim reflects on humanity’s struggles with “a tangled mind filled with good and bad,” portraying the artist’s own search for meaning and emancipation.

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Lee Gil Woo combines traditional Korean paper (Hanji) with pop art techniques, creating layered imagery that merges Eastern and Western elements. His three-dimensional silhouettes emphasize duality, capturing the multifaceted nature of human identity and experience.

Hong Kyoung Tack, known for his contributions to Korean pop art, uses everyday objects such as ballpoint pens and books to explore self-consciousness. His densely packed canvases, saturated with vivid colours, reflect themes of obsession and curiosity surrounding the materiality of plastic and its place in daily life.

Kim Deok Han incorporates traditional East Asian lacquer techniques in his work, drawing inspiration from the process of restoring Buddhist statues. His approach underscores a philosophy that present identity is shaped by layers of past experiences.

Hwang Il Yong, Director of the Korean Cultural Centre India, commented on the exhibition’s theme, highlighting the shared values of Korea and India in overcoming adversity and nurturing peace and coexistence. He expressed hope that the exhibit would foster a deeper bond between the two nations.

When: November 8 to January 3, 2025

Where: Korean Cultural Centre India, Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi