Korean and Việt Nam museums co-organise art exhibition

A work by artist Yoon Nam-woong.

HÀ NỘI — Artists from South Korean Gwangju Museum have displayed their paintings at Việt Nam National Fine Arts Museum (VNFAM) for the first time. 

The exhibition entitled The Melody of Korean Art features seven artists including Lee Hyung-woo, Yoon Nam-woong, Lee In-sung, Kim Sung-nam, Pyo In-bu, Kim Byoung-taeg and Kim Chang-duk.

“The exhibition is a good chance for Vietnamese fine arts lovers to get to know Korean fine arts and have a chance to enjoy paintings by Korean artists in Hà Nội,” said Nguyễn Đức Kiên, deputy-director of VNFAM. “I believe that it will promote co-operation between the two museums in future to strengthen bilateral relationship between the two countries.”

Made in a wide range of materials including oil, lacquer, silk, ceramic and Korean traditional hanji paper, the works portray the beauty of Korean country, people and joy. 

Arist Lee Hyung-woo uses diverse colours to depict the daily life of Koreans. With generous brushstrokes and metaphorical and witty situations, the artist brings laughter to viewers. 

Yoon Nam-woong expresses human emotions through his honest and humorous works. He evokes joy and love of life by capturing life’s milestones with a humorous perspective, artistic freedom and idyllic rural images.

Lee In-sung’s paintings reflect images of human life. The artist recounts stories that could happen to anyone and emphasises its meaning through metaphorical expressions.

Visitors viewing works at the exhibition.

Kim Sung-nam captures and expresses nature full of raw energy, rather than the familiar, peaceful and beautiful natural landscape from the usual human perspective.

Artist Pyo In-bu creates his works with hanji paper. His painting series entitled Memories of the Wind is a reflection of memories in life. 

Kim Chang-duk uses natural materials such as quartz, stone powder and natural colours to create unique ceramic paintings. The works deeply express the spirit and customs of Korea.

Artist Kim Byoung-taeg is the one who repeatedly uses red or blue for images of water, sea and mountains, which are considered the source of life. For him, nature carries many important symbols conveying messages of hope and healing in life.

Gwangju museum is a renowned cultural hub with a deep-rooted tradition of art. Since its opening in 1992, Gwangju Museum of Art has been a part of modern art history in Korea and gained ground as a cultural zone.

Gwangju museum director Gim Jun-gi speaks at the opening ceremony at Việt Nam Fine Arts Museum. VNS photos Nguyễn Bình

Gwangju museum plays an important role in connecting museums and artists around the world, organising exhibitions in many countries like China, Japan, Britain, Germany and the US,  according to the museum director Gim Jun-gi.

“The selected works displayed in Việt Nam contain the landscape of Korea and cheerful emotions of the people,” said Gim. “I want to popularise Korean art to the Vietnamese audience and I expect to have art exchanges between artists of the two countries.”

The exhibition runs until November 30 at 66 Nguyễn Thái Học Street. — VNS