Artist donates work to French Embassy
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Han Sung-pil’s art work
By Kang Hyun-kyung
French Ambassador Jerome Pasquier invited installation artist and photographer Han Sung-pil to his residence on June 26 as a token of gratitude for Han’s donation of an art work featuring the image of the historic fortress of Namhansanseong to the embassy.
Earlier, Han donated the 1.8-meter by 2.7-meter photo he took of his installation work featuring the historic site stretched across the mountainous area in Gwangju, Geyonggi Province.
The original screen was installed last year in front of the fortress when it underwent restoration before it was listed as a United Nations Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization cultural heritage.
Pasquier thanked the internationally-renowned artist for the contribution of the art work and showed the artist around the framed photo hanging on the wall of the entrance of the residence.
Han said his donation was a symbolic gesture to express his thanks to the French government, which funded his trip to France for an artist in residence program a couple of times.
“My work is about Korean culture and I thought it would be meaningful if it was installed at the French residence to serve as a bridge between the two cultures,” he told The Korea Times.
Han said he chose the fortress image for the French residence because the historic site is one of the world heritages chosen by the Paris-based institution.
“During the conversation with the ambassador, I felt that he liked my work. He has deep understanding of Korean culture and this made me feel that my contribution was rewarding,” the artist said.
Han has showcased his installation works in the United States, Europe, South America and Japan.
The artist drew global attention for his 28-meter by 33-meter work, “Harmonious Havana”, which was displayed on a landmark building across the street from El Capitolio in Cuba’s capital during the 12th edition of Havana Biennale art festival in May. The large screen showcased the image of seventh-century stone pagoda in the southeastern city of Gyeongju.
A Cuban media outlet ran the image of Han’s installation work on its front page, marking him the first Korean who made the front page story there.
In 2013, Han collaborated with Irish composer Karen Power in the interactive art project, “Beyond Reality” featuring the sounds of penguins and ice cracking and images of the Arctic. Their joint project was displayed at the 13th Korean International Art Fair held last year at the COEX in southern Seoul.
Han left Seoul last week for another art project in Italy. After completing it, he will visit France again for the artist in residence program hosted by the French government.