The Land The People, A Review on Contemporary Korean Prints

                   The Land The People, an exhibit currently on view in the Library gallery at Sac State, features Contemporary Korean prints from ten different artists, who were selected to present the diversity and scale of contemporary printmaking in South Korea. The work shows a wide range of techniques from linocut, traditional wood cut work, digital art and even silicon casting. The artists, An Jeong Min, Chung Sang Gon, Jung Won Chul, Kim Eok, Kim Joon Kwon, Lee Sang Guk, Lee Yun Yop, Suh Sang Hwan, Ryu Yeun Bok, and Yoon Yeo Geul, all brought uniquely diverse styles to contemporary printmaking which made the exhibit truly amazing and it was beautifully curated by Kim Jin Ha, Koo Kyung Sook, and Sac State’s very own, Ian Harvey.

                For someone who knows very little about wood-cut and linocut art, both techniques of traditional printmaking, this was an excellent show to experience and really broaden my knowledge in art. As an art major, professors are always trying to get you to expand your vocabulary with art and branch out and use new materials and supports as well. This is really an eye-opening exhibit, in its allowing you to experience new and old techniques of making art. Although printmaking has been around for centuries, not everyone has had the opportunity to view it, and I think it is great that the university, the art department and the contributing artists have allowed for this experience.

                Kim Eok and Ryu Yeun Bok’s landscapes are truly breathtaking and are really representative of the land in The Land The People.  Ryu’s series of twelve prints depict Gumgang Mountain, but rather than documenting the terrain, he conveys the symbolism of the landscape. His choice of using color in his woodcuts brings together past and present techniques of woodcut art; although his style alludes to traditional woodcut art, the color adds a modern twist and really alludes to the symbolic power of the landscape, which is at the center of political controversy.

Ryu Yeun Bok, Gumgang Mountain, series of 12 woodcuts



 

             The panoramic-like woodcut, Namhan River- Dangyang, by Kim Eok really stood out to me. The choice to produce it in bird’s eye view really allows for the beauty of the landscape to shine through. This is what I imagine when I picture traditional wood-cut art, but it is not as traditional as it appears, seeing as how it was produced in 2009. It reminds me of a landscape that you would see produced on a Chinese scroll, but it is in fact woodcut and the attention to detail is unreal; I appreciate the details of the bridges and boats that are shown in motion, along the river.

Kim Eok, Namhan River - Danang, 2009, woodcut

Lee Yun Yop’s installation, Sparkling Eyes, was by far my favorite piece in the exhibit, and the choice to display it in the back corner where it could fill a space entirely was genius. This installation of woodcuts was created to support demonstrations and activist activities. It had a look to it that reminded me of both collage and graffiti work which I think made the piece strong as an activist piece. It incorporated the largest amount of color in the show and was a stand-out piece. It was a strong way to end the show.

Lee Yun Yop, Sparkling Eyes, 2013,  Installation of woodcuts  

The Land The people offered a broad range of subject matter and technique with many of the installations dealing with narratives addressing Korean culture and political protest. It was full of culture and pride and made a powerful statement about both the land and people of Korea. If you have not yet had a chance to experience this show, I highly recommend it.

There is an upcoming lecture that will be held on Wednesday March 12th that one of the curators, Ian Harvey will be speaking at; Although, I will not be able to attend myself, I hope those of you who can will make an effort to attend. I think it will be a great opportunity to learn more about this powerful exhibition.