By Honorary Reporter Jianping Sun from China
Photos = Jianping Sun

I attended on Dec. 19 the opening of the art exhibition "Utopia for All" co-hosted by the National Asian Culture Center and the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in Shanghai, China, on the latter's third floor.

Opening ceremony of "Utopia for All"

Under the theme "Nature in Korea," the exhibition highlights how modern Korean paintings reflect on nature, transitioning from vivid depictions to the interconnected and cyclical elements of the universe as seen in East Asian philosophy. To mark the opening, the KCC also invited Korean jazz artists to perform at a year-end concert.

Jazz musicians from Seoul perform at the opening event.

Two artworks left a lasting impression on me. "White Land" by Seo Dong-joo features a white horizon formed by physical books to evoke images of landscapes like snowy fields, frozen lakes or misty lands. And the media work "Standing at the Center of Existence Beyond Visible Forms" by Lee Lee-nam combines classical painting with digital technology, reinterpreting the folding screen of the sun, moon and five peaks traditionally placed behind the royal throne of the Joseon Dynasty. 

The media artwork "Standing at the Center of Existence Beyond Visible Forms" by Lee Lee-nam comes to life with the sounds of a cascading waterfall and lifelike natural scenery.

Running through Feb. 28, this exhibition features art that highlights the serene elements of nature. 

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.