By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter
Delicate drawings of blossoms by renowned French artist Louise Bourgeois and colorful works by rising Korean artist Park MeeNa are being unveiled at Kukje Gallery.
The two artists have drastically different oeuvres, which makes for an exciting visit to the gallery, located in Sogyeok-dong, Jongno, downtown Seoul.
``Les Fleurs'' is an on-going exhibition of Bourgeois' 29 new drawings and three sculptures with the themes of nature, motherhood and women at the Kukje Gallery Space 2, located behind the main gallery.
This is the French artist's fourth solo show with the gallery, the last one being in 2007. Bourgeois is known for her diverse works, ranging from huge spider sculptures, handsewn patchworks, dolls and installations.
The title ``Les Fleurs'' refers to Bourgeois' choice of the flower and women as ``symbols of vitality, desire and sexuality.'' ``Her paintings painted in a bold, red color, illustrate passion, blood and a feminist belief in the power of women,'' organizers said.
Bourgeois has always been drawing, since she was a child when she helped draw patterns for her family's textile company. ``Bourgeois has continued to transcribe her emotions and memories on paper as if she was writing them in diary. She has observed that the repetition of drawing helps her to find peace of mind and a source of healing,'' organizers said.
This exhibition also celebrates the artist's centennial birthday. Bourgeois, who was born in Paris in 1911, is considered one of the most important living artists in the 21st century. She has worked with various materials: plaster, latex, bronze and marble. Bourgeois was the first artist to hold a retrospective exhibition at the MoMA in New York in 1992, and received the Lion d'Or at the 48th Venice Biennale in 1999.