Discover Magic of Photography
By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter
Photography has come a long way from the pinhole cameras of ancient times to film and now to its digital form.
The term photography was coined by Sir John Herschel in 1839, combining Greek words ``phos’’ for light and ``graphos’’ for writing. Photography, in short, was ``writing with light.’’
Photography continued to develop using glass plates and printing, but in 1884, George Eastman developed film technology. Film has been widely used in cameras, but has been challenged by the widespread use of digital cameras in recent years.
With all the developments and innovations in photography, it is interesting to see how these have made an impact on artists and their works.
The on-going ``Magic of Photography’’ exhibition at the Museum of Photography Seoul shows how 14 Korean artists have adapted new technological developments and used them for creating inventive and modern art works.
Through the development of digital technology, artists have expressed their artistic sense and ideas in photographs more freely. Artists expanded the boundaries of photography, even incorporating painting, sculpture and installation in their works.
Bae Joon-sung makes use of the lenticular technique, which creates multi-dimensional photographs. He turns two-dimensional images into three-dimensional works, as shown in ``The Costume of (the) Painter.’’
Another section sheds light on the boundaries of three-dimensional images and photography. Kang Young-min, Kwon Jung-jun, and Jang Seung-hyo reconstruct three-dimensional pictures with people and create distorted images. Jang made a distinctive photo collage, ``Mad About You,'' while Kwon built an installation, ``Fine Apple,’’' an acrylic box covered with digital print.
Another section introduces computer graphic imagery, featuring works by Kim Joon, Lim Taek and Lee Joon-keun. For example, Lee creates optical illusion graphics that will hold the viewers’ attention.
Kim’s digital prints are filled with naked bodies decorated with beautiful tattoos. However, Kim uses 3D computer graphics programs to create these images.
Lastly, photography is combined with films and performances to make a unique work. In ``The Finale of (the) Story,’’ Jun So-jung took clever photographs of a play that she directed. A video of the play is also being shown as part of her work.
Kim Joon and Bae Joong-sung will give lectures Sept. 5 at 1 p.m. at the museum. Kang Young-min and Cho Byung-wang will have their turn Sept. 19 at 1 p.m. There will also be a free magic show Sept. 5 at 4 p.m.
Photo Kids, a special children’s photography program is being held Aug. 22 and 29, Sept. 12 and 26 at 10:30 a.m.
The exhibition runs through Oct. 1. Opening hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m., weekdays and 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m., weekends. Tickets are 5,000 won for adults and 3,000 won for students. Visit www.photomuseum.or.kr.