"Dreams and Reality: Korean American Contemporary Art Exhibit to Celebrate 100 Years of Korean Immigration to the US"
2003-08-15 until 2003-09-19
Smithsonian International Gallery
Washington, DC, USA United States of America

The Smithsonian Institution is proud and honored to announce the opening of a historic art exhibition at the International Gallery . This special show titled "Dreams and Reality: Korean American Contemporary Art Exhibit to Celebrate 100 Years of Korean Immigration to the US" is scheduled to open on August 15 through September 19,2003, showcasing 18 renowned Korean American artists, featuring a special painting by world-renowned Nam June Paik.

Nam June Paik is possibly the single most famous artist of Korean descent. He is often described as the forefather of video art, avant-garde artist, performance artist, Fluxus artist, and a philosopher. While those descriptions are all true, above all, he is "an artist." It seems only appropriate that the Exhibit feature his work in commemorating the Korean American artists’ contribution to the art world. He has created a special painting for this exhibit despite his recent illness and has graciously agreed to donate it to the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection upon the exhibit’s closing.

The 18 artists featured in this special exhibition have been carefully chosen to share their unique and unparalleled artistic style, reflecting both their Korean heritage and their modern day American and global lifestyle. While these artists have exhibited their works in hundreds of domestic and international venues, this is the first time that a group of Korean American artists have come together to showcase their works in a single exhibit of such magnitude and caliber.

"Dreams and Reality" will provide viewers with a unique opportunity to experience a fragment of Korean American history through each of the artworks featured. The exhibition represents a culmination of the past, present and dreams and hopes for the future. Plans are also being made for "Dreams and Reality" to travel to various U.S. cities and to Korea upon its closing at the Smithsonian. We hope it will help raise awareness for Korean American artists as well as Korean Americans in general, and help build a sense of unity through the common language of art and culture. We have no doubt that this exhibition will be a unique and very memorable experience for all.

The opening reception for the exhibit will be held on Saturday, August 16, at the International Gallery, in the S. Dillon Ripley Center at Smithsonian Institution from 6pm to 8pm. RSVP is required. In addition, two press conferences have been scheduled for the exhibit prior to the opening. The details of the press conferences are on the next page.

Related Links:

Indepth Arts Resources for the State of District of Columbia

Other Important Exhibitions in Washington