Korean Artist to Hold Exhibit in Russia
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Lee Bo-suk, the president of the 21 Century International Creative Artists Association (21C ICAA) and also a famous artist for reinterpreting Korean art, is holding an exhibition at Russia's State Hermitage Museum, April 10-20.
``Arirang of Russia- Hangeul 2008'' is special for Lee not only because it is to be held at the historic museum by invitation but also because she will display art works that represent Korean culture.
``It is a great honor indeed and people around me tell me that it's just not my achievement, but a great opportunity for the Korean art community to grow as well,'' Lee said in an email interview with The Korea Times.
Lee will introduce her works, which are deeply rooted in Korean traditional art and inspirations.
What made her create an exhibition like this one, especially overseas where Korean culture is seldom mentioned or introduced?
``There was one question I had when I was visiting different countries and holding exhibitions. `Who am I and what is the artwork that represents me?''' she said.
It was then that she realized the beauty and uniqueness of the Korean alphabet, or hangeul.
``Language and alphabets have a history. They convey our lives and even our past. I am very happy to have the chance to show the depth our culture possesses through hangeul,'' Lee said.
About 114 pieces of her works, including paintings and installations using hangeul as an art motif, will be on display.
The State Hermitage Museum is one of the largest and oldest museums in the world, opened in 1764 and is located in St. Petersburg. The museum has a collection of more than 3 million art works. This is the second time the museum has invited a Korean artist, the first being Kim Heung-sou in 1993.
Lee didn't forget to offer advice for future artists.
``Young Korean artists have confidence and creativity. But as they grow older, their works start to look similar and this is why Korea's art education should change. Art doesn't ask for a right or wrong answer like mathematics,'' she said.