Chinese Installation by Li Jikai
Arario Gallery
Through January 24th, 2009
In the heart of Cheonan, you will find a rising museum; it holds a sweeping collection of just about everything you can imagine. With such a wide array of arts including photography, ceramics, stuff animals, and paintings you wouldn¡¯t be surprised to find Chinese artist Li Jikai works among the bundle of displays here.
He is a questioner of human existence and a seeker of life¡¯s little joys. As a traveling tourist his last solo was entitled ¡°Clear.¡± It was held in Beijing at Today Art Museum.
Getting there: You may need a Korean translator when contacting the museum.
Museum contact number: 041 551 5100
http://arariogallery.co.kr/en/200 years of Sochi Huh Ryun Until February 2nd
Seoul Arts Center, Calligraphy Art Museum
Master calligrapher Sochi Huh Ryun`s works are currently on display at the Calligraphy Art Museum at the Seoul Arts Center. These works are on loan from the Gwangju National museum and offers an excellent opportunity to learn an appreciation of Korean calligraphy - widely regarded as some of the world`s finest.
A sizable selection of Huh Ryun pieces are on display; including both poetry and landscapes. Come see what life was like in the late Joseon as told through the eyes of its artists and chroniclers.
Blake¡¯s Shadow: William Blake and his Artistic Legacy
The Museum of Art
Through February 14th, 2009
At the Seoul National University you will discover a lil¡¯ bout British culture and a whole lotta¡¯ heart.
William Blake was a well-known poet of the Romantic period. After his viewings at the Tate Gallery in London and the showing at the Metropolitan Museum of art he finally received a title in British history.
Learn more about Blake through his Sixty-two pieces of art on display through mid February.
Getting there: Contact the museum by phone.
Museum contact number: (02) 880-9509
http://www.snumoa.org/Ancient Futures
Seoul Museum of Art-Nam Seoul
Through February 15th, 2009
Life, in some measure is about the meaningful experiences that we attach to our personal memoirs. It is about a collection of small things that become significant to the artist along the journey. In this exhibition, you with discover a number of stories that unravel hidden secrets and individual will.
One the first floor, over sixty pieces of art gathered by fifteen artists featuring rocks and insects wings are used in personal paintings and sculptures.
The second floor holds a certain distinctness. It is a floor full of philosophy asking viewers to consider the fine line between real and artificial. In a bustling society of neon signs and breast implants, it¡¯s hard to distinguish real from plastic.
On the one hand you many not experience roses and butterflies after viewing this display, but on the other you¡¯ll be sure to gain a new perspective on the world you live in but rarely take in.
Getting there: Take the subway line number to until you reach City Hall station. Use exits eleven or twelve. The exhibition is free of charge.
Museum contact number: (02) 598-6247
http://www.seoulmoa.orgThe Human Structure
Atelier Hermes
Laurence Dervaux
Through March 1st, 2009
As delicate and woven as the human body is, it¡¯s a wonder when it is replicated.
Laurence Dervaux is a master creator and interpreter of human life. In fifteen sculptures entitled ¡°Human Fluids,¡± he has created a series of glass sculptures that represent different body systems such as the heart, abdomen, single cells, the intestines, breast milk, water blood and urine. These images are powerful as they reveal one¡¯s personal cycle of life, our birth and our being in a tangible ¡°flesh on¡± form.
A series of white porcelain sculptures are individually elevated on pedestals lined in sequencing proximity with one another to form an ¡°L¡± shape. Upon close inspection, they resemble human ribs raw and robust.
¡°The Amount of Blood Pumped by the Human Heart in Thirty-Seven Minutes¡± is an instillation that will instantly capture your attention as it looks like a mad scientists lab.
Four sturdy towers filled with a reddish substance are designed in the pattern of a human body with glasses aligned in such a way as to resemble a human head. Staring at the tall jars might bring a sensation or reminder of our significance in space and cosmos.
Dervaux was born in quaint Tournai, Belgium and is a graduate of the Academy of Fine and Decorative Arts. He has gained much popularity at Hermes galleries across the world including a museum in Brussels entitled La Verriere and The Third Floor a gallery in Singapore.
He masterworks are a strong testament to life and its never-ending stages. Though there is birth, life and death ultimately he believes death leads to other life patterns. He argues that the eternal is ambiguous for that reason each moment should be lived in the passionate present.
Getting there: Atelier Hermes is located on the third floor of Madison Hermes in Sins-dong, line three just south of the Han River.
Museum contact information: (02) 544-7722
Happy Anniversary: One-Hundred Years of International Exhibitions and Displays
The National Museum of Korea
Ongoing Display Featuring a Collection of EventsA score of events are lined up to mark the 100th anniversary of Seoul¡¯s number one museum. As it pairs up with other private universities and galleries you will be sure to discover a deep history of the Joseon Kingdom.
The National Museum of Korea is the first of its kind to open to the public. It has a vast collection of artworks and Buddhist paintings dating back to the reign of King Sunjong in 1909.
For the academic minded, the National Museum will be hosting a series of educational forums featuring ten world-renowned lectures to be held on May 22nd through the 24th. In addition, a special One hundred year exhibition will take place in October and November as well as a museum expo of one hundred participating museums in promotion of the museum. Finally, a pavilion will be established with decadent green celadon roofing in November.
For convenience, the museum will add a connection to the nearest subway station, which will work as an overflow art display designed for underprivileged groups to join in the art festivities.
After these events take place the museum will relocate from Gwanghwamun to Yongsan. This is happening in hope that foreign tourists and expatriates will take more advantage of the museums collection. Upon re-establishment the museum will be holding two exhibitions. The first will focus on Egypt¡¯s Civilization, while the second will capture life of Incan people. Expect these displays from April to August of 2009.
Getting there: Take line number four to Ichon station.
http://www.museum.go.kr/EngMain.do
