From fires that sparkle in the night to serene landscapes, a new photo exhibit offers University students, staff and faculty an opportunity to experience Korean culture through photographs. Focusing on the colorful images of pre-eminent Korean photographer Seung-U Park, “Images of Korea” provides a vibrant glimpse of Korea.
The photo display opened April 14, kicking off a four-part series of cultural events celebrating Korean Cultural Month, titled “Meet Korea in Eugene.”
Arts and administration graduate student Hee-Jeong Sohn pioneered “Meet Eugene in Korea,” which is the first event of its kind in the area. Sohn said her goal is to help foster a grassroots diplomacy between Korea and the United States with a cultural twist.
“Images of Korea” is an ambitious collaboration between University departments, including arts and administration, Center for Asian and Pacific Studies, School of Music and UO Cultural Forum; regional organizations, such as the Eugene Korean Association, Eugene-Chinju Sister City Foundation and the Korean Cultural Center of Los Angeles; and local businesses.
The exhibit depicts a variety of subject matter. Ranging from bright, excited activity to serene landscapes, three photographs in particular stand out. “SamulNori” captures a man spinning in midair while playing a percussion instrument. The long white ribbon on his hat looks like a kite tail gracefully snapping with the motion of his body.
“Jwibul nore” shows a curious night scene, which illustrates a traditional folk game where field embankments are set on fire. Players twirl sticks like batons, creating large orange circles of fire that sparkle in the night. Other photographs showcase bold masks and dance performances that signify the harvests and customs of a once agrarian society.
The most notable photograph is simply called “Landscape,” a view near the Seonunsa Temple in Gochang, which is in the Jeollabuk-do Province. Photographed from behind, a hooded walker retreats down a path lined with old trees enshrouded in fog.
The scene conjures this philosophical passage from “On the Road,” a travelogue by writer Joo-young Kim: “While on the road, I discovered that the things with the most global appeal were those that are the most Korean in nature. I also discovered that underlying the traditional ways of Korean relations is certain humility based on integrity and restraint. And because of this, the true beauty of Korea is subtle and free of artifice.”
In addition to photographs, “Images of Korea” includes a glass case containing a sample of Korean crafts and traditional costumes. Of special interest are two elegant pipes that are approximately two feet long, a decorative painted screen and a lovely robe. Lastly, an impressive scholar’s desk connotes the sort of serious contemplation and careful writing to which many of us aspire.
Sohn’s professionalism, drawing on her expertise as a program officer for the Korean Foundation in Seoul, Korea, shines in the exhibit, with promises of other intriguing Korean arts, film and scholarly lectures to come.
Be sure to check out this exhibition before it leaves on Friday. Visit www.meetkorea.org for further details.