The exhibit “Endless Landscape: Digitally Reimagined Korean Art,” presented by the National Museum of Korea, opened at the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) in Taguig on Jan. 19.
Gracing the opening ceremony were Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa, National Museum of Korea Director General Yoon Sung-yong, Executive Director Oscar Casaysay of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Deputy Director-General Jorell Legaspi of the National Museum of the Philippines, and KCC Director Kim Myeongjin.
The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines in Taguig (KCC)
The exhibit is part of this year’s 75th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between South Korea and the Philippines.
The exhibit features immersive video works using new digital technologies and will run until June 29 this year.
Ambassador Lee
In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Lee said, “My heartfelt congratulations go out to the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) for pioneering this groundbreaking event. Your dedication and effort have indeed set the stage for a monumental year as we begin this year’s celebration of the 75th anniversary of Korea-Philippines diplomatic relations.”
“This exhibition proudly holds the distinction of being the first of commemorative events planned for 2024, all aimed at celebrating the diamond jubilee of our diplomatic ties. Moreover, it brings to the forefront the National Museum of Korea, a beacon of cultural heritage and innovation, housing over 430,000 artifacts and ranked 5th globally in terms of visitor numbers,” he said.
Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa (KCC)
(From left) Kim Myeongjin, Korean Cultural Center Director; Oscar Casaysay, National Commission for Culture and the Arts Executive Director; Lee Sang-hwa, Ambassador of Korea to the Philippines; Kim Dohyung, National Museum of Korea Executive Director of the Education & Cultural Bureau; and Jeong Myounghee , National Museum of Korea Exhibition Division Head (KCC)
Bayanihan Dance Company at the opening ceremony (KCC)
Gayageum Artist Ju Bora at the opening ceremony (KCC)
Lee said the “exhibition is more than just a showcase of artistic brilliance; it is a testament to the deep-rooted ties and enduring friendship between Korea and the Philippines. It is fitting that we kick off with an exhibition that encapsulates the essence of our shared history and cultural exchange.”
“What makes this show outstanding is its unique blend of traditional Korean art from the Joseon Dynasty and advanced digital technology. The four videos you will watch offer a rare opportunity to experience the richness of Korean culture, aiming to ignite interest and appreciation among our Filipino friends,” he added.
The ambassador said Korean culture has spread around the world including the Philippines through Hallyu or Korean Wave. Korean dramas are popular among Filipinos. K-pop singers and Korean stars come to the Philippines throughout the year to hold concerts, fan meetings and shows.
“In recent years, the allure of Korean culture has extended beyond borders, primarily propelled by Hallyu or the Korean Wave. KCC Philippines, which was opened in 2011, has been a symbol of cultural enlightenment, introducing the rich tapestry of Korean culture to the Filipino mainstream. The warm reception by Filipinos underscores our common appreciation for arts, music, and storytelling. This is not at all surprising, since Filipinos are undeniably among the most artistically gifted individuals, possessing an innate ability to nurture the soul through various artistic expressions. Art, in its myriad forms, fulfills humanity’s fundamental need for emotional and spiritual nourishment,” said Lee.
He added, “As we navigate through 2024, the celebrations will not end here. The embassy, in collaboration with the KCC and other partners, has lined up a series of events that promise to engage, educate, and entertain. Let us continue to celebrate the enduring bond between Korea and the Philippines.”
Exhibit
The exhibition is the first outcome in the Philippines of the National Museum of Korea’s Overseas Korean Galleries Support Program.
In an effort to establish a foundation to broaden the reach of K-culture, the National Museum of Korea is promoting customized support programs to fit the local characteristics of different countries around the world.
In the Philippines, the absence of Korean galleries or museums housing Korean cultural heritage makes it challenging for local audiences to experience traditional Korean cultural content.
In this light, the exhibition takes a new approach to surmount the constraints of hosting artifact-centered exhibitions of Korean art. By presenting immersive video works using the latest digital technology, the stories in cultural heritage can be conveyed in a vibrant and engaging way.
The digital approach can be particularly effective given the deep interest in Korean pop culture, including K-pop and TV shows, among many Filipinos. Through friendly and familiar digital medium, the exhibition is expected to enjoy a greater public response through this convergence of tradition and modernity.
The exhibit kicks off a series of events celebrating the diplomatic anniversary at the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines, including a Korea Festival and K-drama OST Concert.
The accompanying performances to the exhibition will diversify the exhibition’s local impact and visitor experience.
In collaboration with the NCCA, the KCC will organize monthly house concerts featuring Filipino artists. NCCA, the Philippines’ official government agency for supporting culture, has provided active support to ensure the exhibition takes place successfully. In this way, the leading cultural institutions of Korea and the Philippines have come together to further strengthen cultural exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.
NCCA Executive Director
In his congratulatory remarks, NCCA Executive Director Casaysay said the “exhibit not only showcases the beauty of Korean art but also paves the way for innovative approaches in the preservation and presentation of cultural heritage.”
“This initiative stands as a testament to the power of preserving traditions while embracing the possibilities of the digital era. With this, we would like to commend the National Museum of Korea for bringing the concept of immersive digital art to the Philippines,” he added.
“As we stand at the beginning of this exciting journey, I express my sincere thanks to everyone involved in organizing and participating in this kick-off event. I would also like to acknowledge the Bayanihan, The National Folk Dance Company of the Philippines and the Korean Performers: Ms. Joo and Mr. Kim, for their participation in the opening ceremony. Your dedication and passion have set the stage for the remarkable celebration of the 75th-anniversary of Philippines and Korea,” he said.
Unique Exhibition
The exhibition presents four video works using new digital technologies produced by the National Museum of Korea and the Chuncheon National Museum.
The works – “Endless Mountains and Rivers,” “Royal Processions with the People,” “Pillars of Divinity, Chongseok Rocks,” and “Peonies in Bloom” – are reinterpretations of traditional Korean paintings.
Royal Processions with the People (KCC)
Peonies in Bloom (KCC)
Endless Mountains and Rivers (KCC)
Chongseok Rocks (KCC)
Royal Processions with the People (KCC)
Endless Mountains and Rivers (KCC)
This exhibition is significant in that it offers a novel approach through digital content to engage with traditional Korean paintings, which are typically inaccessible without a visit to Korea.
Upon entering the gallery, visitors are welcomed by an expansive panorama. Overflowing with light, sound, and brilliant colors, the exhibition space presents an intense sense of immersion.
Visitors are enveloped in a rich tapestry of the unique landscapes, ambience, and history embodied within Korean traditional paintings. This unconventional approach featuring the intersection of cultural heritage from the past and the digital technology of the present is expected to provide viewers with a new experience that goes beyond the emotional impact of the original works.
Works
The first video work, “Endless Mountains and Rivers: A Prosperous World Unfolds in Nature,” is based on Endless Mountains and Rivers, a masterpiece by Yi Inmun (1745-after 1824), a royal court painter during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897). It provides a vivid rendition of people living in harmony with immutable nature. This vibrant coexistence of humans and nature represents a prosperous world–a utopia that people in the late Joseon Dynasty sought to realize.
The second video, titled “Royal Processions with the People,” is based on the official uigwe (royal protocols) records of the ceremonies of the Joseon royal court. Based on these royal records and paintings, it invites visitors into a world of majestic royal rites centered on the processions to Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon by King Jeongjo (r. 1776-1880), the 22nd King of the Joseon Dynasty. King Jeongjo may be known to international audiences through the Korean historical drama The Red Sleeve.
The third video work, “Pillars of Divinity, Chongseok Rocks,” illustrates the spectacular view of Chongseok Rocks in Tongcheon, Gangwondo Province, which is a renowned scenic attraction in the Geumgangsan Mountain area. This video is based on the painting Scenic View of Chongseok Rocks by the painter and calligrapher Kim Gyujin (1868-1933). The painting was commissioned by Emperor Sunjong, the second ruler of the Korean Empire (1897-1910). It once decorated Heejeongdang Hall, his office at Changdeokgung Palace. The spectacular view of Chongseok Rocks is characterized by a series of hexagonal rock pillars that appear as if they were sculpted by divine hands. It has been transformed into an immersive video that brings the scene to life for visitors.
“Peonies in Bloom,” the fourth work, is based on a two-panel painting of peony flowers in the National Museum of Korea collection. It was originally installed in a palace building during the Joseon Dynasty. Celebrated as “the king of flowers” for their splendid and elegant appearance, peonies have long served as an object of admiration, a symbol of wealth and abundance, and an important motif for royal rites and architecture. The video work transports visitors into a sumptuous garden of red and white peony blossoms in full bloom.
“The National Museum of Korea is promoting a variety of programs to support overseas Korean galleries and exhibitions to enhance global understanding of Korean culture. I hope that this exhibition focusing on digital content, which goes beyond conventional artifact-centered exhibitions, will serve as a unique opportunity to introduce Korean culture to the Filipino public,” said Director-General Sung-yong of the National Museum of Korea.
The National Museum of Korea will continue to carry out further projects and overseas exhibitions as part of its Overseas Korean Galleries Support Program to ensure the preservation and utilization of Korean galleries and cultural heritage located abroad. It is hoped that this exhibition will provide an opportunity for closer engagement with Korean art and culture. The museum will strive to promote Korean culture and strengthen its status through diverse projects that encompass both traditional and contemporary contexts.