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Indepth Arts News:
"Transcendence: Modernity and Beyond in Korean Art"
2008-11-08 until 2009-03-15
Singapore Art Museum
Singapore, ,
SG Singapore
Singapore Art Museum (SAM) is proud to present Transcendence: Modernity
and Beyond in Korean Art, an exhibition that examines the development of Korean art from the 1950s
to the present, seen through the perspective of 13 artists, and the first of its kind in Singapore. The
exhibition is thematised into three sections: Origins of Korean Modernism, Mind Landscapes: Material
Realities, Metaphysical Worlds and Collective Memories, Individual Realities, and features works on
loan from the National Museum of Contemporary Art in Seoul, Korea, as well as the artists. The
featured artists include: Cheong Kwang Ho, Hong Kyoung Tack, Ik-Joong Kang, Kim Hong Joo, Kim
Kang Yong, Kim Tschang Yeul, Lee Jung Woong, Lee Lee Nam, Lee Ufan, Lee Yong Deok, Park
Seo Bo, Suh Do Ho, Yim Tae Kyu.
Modern and contemporary Korean art is a revelation of unique aesthetics and sensibilities. When
seen from a broad perspective, modern Korean art may be seen to be oscillating between two
seemingly divergent approaches. On the one hand, there seems to be an effort to transcend traditional forms. Yet, on the other hand, many artists have been attempting to rediscover the spirit of
traditional art. Nonetheless, artists continue to experiment to create new possibilities in art, in their
quest for a strong Korean cultural identity. This has created a unique, visual vocabulary that is known
as the Korean art of today.
Says Director, Singapore Art Museum, Mr Kwok Kian Chow, “The Singapore Art Museum has had
many partnerships with our Korean counterparts, including the National Museum of Contemporary Art,
Seoul National University Museum of Art, and Seoul Museum of Art. We have researched together on
common Asian art historical and aesthetic topics and shared our concerns for visual arts
programming and development. The Museum’s broader Asian focus is conceived as a continuity and
an expansion in the scope of Museum’s current activities and programmes, while maintaining its
focus and strength in Southeast Asian art. Through strategic alliances with international arts and
cultural institutions and artists, SAM hopes to contribute to an enlarged role in the regional visual arts
community and Asian art museology, as well as facilitate art development.”
Says Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Singapore, His Excellency Kim Joong Keun, “This is
the very first Korean contemporary art show at a most encompassing level ever staged in Singapore
and is the first of its kind at the Singapore Art Museum. In addition to the deepening relationship
between Singapore and Korea, such as increasing bilateral trade, foreign direct investment and
people-to-people exchanges, I believe this exhibition will advance the relationship between both our
countries to a higher level in the realm of culture and mutual understanding.”
Transcendence: Modernity and Beyond in Korean Art opens to public on 8 November 2008 and ends
on 15 March 2009. The exhibition is held in conjunction with Korea Festival 2008 in Singapore.
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