Two prominent art museums in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, are presenting special exhibitions that blend traditional and contemporary Korean art in conjunction with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting. The exhibitions, hosted by Solgeo Art Museum and Wooyang Art Museum, are designed to reflect this year's APEC theme "Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper" through artistic expression.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on October 21 that both exhibitions aim to demonstrate the expansiveness and global resonance of Korean art across different eras and genres. The events serve as cultural showcases that interpret the themes of the international summit through various forms of artistic expression, highlighting Korea's rich artistic heritage and contemporary innovations.
Solgeo Art Museum is hosting "Scent of Korea in Silla" from October 22 through April 26 next year, offering a modern reinterpretation of the culture and art of the ancient Silla Kingdom, which ruled from 57 B.C. to A.D. 935. The exhibition features works by Buddhist monk Venerable Songcheon, renowned painter Park Dae-seong, and contemporary artists Kim Min and Park Seon-min. These diverse artists demonstrate various approaches to presenting harmony between tradition and modernity, as well as the balance between material and spiritual elements in art.
The featured artists bring unique perspectives to the exhibition through their distinctive techniques and philosophies. Park Dae-seong, recognized as a leader in the globalization of traditional ink painting, explores the intricate relationship between humans and nature in his works. Venerable Songcheon focuses on the modern formative application of Buddhist painting, seeking to bridge ancient spiritual traditions with contemporary artistic expression. Kim Min incorporates gold and silver leaf along with traditional pigments in his paintings, while Park Seon-min creates environmental installations using discarded glass bottles to demonstrate the interconnected cycle of the environment and art.
Meanwhile, Wooyang Art Museum, which reopened in July, is presenting "Nam June Paik: Humanity in the Circuits" through November 30. This exhibition marks both the museum's grand reopening and serves as a cultural highlight for the APEC summit. The showcase features signature works by the internationally acclaimed video art pioneer Nam June Paik from the 1990s, exploring the complex connections between technology, art, and humanity in the digital age.
The Nam June Paik exhibition includes several restored works that will be displayed for the first time, including "My Faust: Economics" and "My Faust: Eternity." These pieces represent Paik's ongoing exploration of economic systems and eternal themes through his innovative use of technology and multimedia installations. The exhibition provides visitors with an opportunity to experience the artist's visionary approach to understanding how technology shapes human experience and artistic expression.
A ministry official involved in cultural policy expressed optimism about the exhibitions' impact, stating, "We hope that these special exhibitions offer a meaningful opportunity to highlight tradition and innovation in Korean art." The official emphasized that the events are designed to showcase Korea's cultural depth and artistic evolution to international visitors attending the APEC summit.
Both exhibitions represent a strategic cultural diplomacy initiative, using art as a medium to communicate Korea's commitment to connecting its rich historical traditions with innovative contemporary approaches. The timing of these exhibitions alongside the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting underscores Korea's dedication to cultural exchange and its role as a bridge between Eastern traditions and global modernization efforts.
