"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.

Related Links:

Indepth Arts Resources for Singapore

Other Important Exhibitions in Singapore