Korea, Belgium round up 120th anniversary of ties with photo exhibition

Belgian photographer Frederik Buyckx's "First Snow," left, is on display at the "Horse Head" exhibition at the KF Gallery in central Seoul, as part of the 120th anniversary celebration of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and Belgium in 2021. Courtesy of Korea Foundation

Belgian photographer explores connections between humans, nature

By Kwon Mee-yoo

Wrapping up the celebration of the 120th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and Belgium in 2021, Belgian photographer Frederik Buyckx presents a series of photos exploring the interactions between humans and nature.

Co-hosted by the Korea Foundation (KF) and the Embassy of Belgium in Seoul, the exhibition sheds light on the simplicity and profoundness of nature in this complicated era at the KF Gallery in central Seoul.

Korea Foundation Gallery President Lee Geun highlighted the longstanding relations of the two countries.

"Since the signing of the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation in 1901, our two countries have formed a special and enduring partnership. Belgium sent over 3,000 soldiers to fight alongside Korea in the 1950s during the Korean War ... Both countries have witnessed harmony with the growing presence in the international community for operating for a better future," Lee said during the opening of the exhibition, Wednesday.

Belgian Ambassador to Korea Francois Bontemps delivers a congratulatory speech during the opening of the "Horse Head" exhibition at the KF Gallery in central Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of Korea Foundation

Belgian Ambassador to Korea Francois Bontemps emphasized how Buyckx's work bridges humankind and nature in Kyrgyzstan, which is located between Belgium and Korea.

"At first I was wondering, 'why such an exhibition for the 120th anniversary,' but then I realized that it has a lot to do with reflection from a new context. We are living in an ever-increasing digitalized and globalized world and this reminds us of the reality. We should not forget that the real nature is there, and we have to take care of nature and people … I think it's very meaningful that you have to be reminded of the simplicity and the depth of life," Bontemps said.

"I can only ask you to take the time to be impressed with this message from Frederik Buyckx ― the importance of the nexus of humans, nature and tradition."

Buyckx is the winner of the Photographer of the Year at the 2017 SONY World Photography Awards, for capturing the "joys and loveliness in each and every environment."

The title of the exhibition, “Horse Head,” comes from At-Bashy, the name of a small Kyrgyz village the photographer stayed in during his first trip to Kyrgyzstan, which translates into “horse head.” There, Buyckx witnessed and took part in the traditional Kyrgyz horseback game, "kok boru," and documented the semi-nomadic lifestyle of the shepherds and their connections with animals.

Buyckx soon returned to Kyrgyzstan and stayed and traveled with the people, documenting the harsh cold weather of the Central Asian country and symbiotic lifestyle of the Kyrgyz people.

The artist described that going into these mountains by horseback “feels like entering another world.” There, he captured the snow-covered landscape of Kyrgyzstan, as well as the people, horses and the connection between them, through black-and-white photos.

“To really investigate the connection people still have with nature, I knew I had to join them deep in the mountains … I'm mainly observing and documenting, but at the same time, I'm learning a lot about life in these remote places,” the photographer said in an interview provided for the exhibition.

“I think photography is a way to investigate and to better understand the world, but for me, it's also the perfect excuse to just throw myself into a new adventure.”

Belgian Ambassador to Korea Francois Bontemps, right, and Kyrgyz Ambassador to Korea Dinara Kemelova pose next to Belgian photographer Frederik Buyckx's works at the "Horse Head" exhibition at the KF Gallery in central Seoul, Wednesday. Korea Times photo by Kwon Mee-yoo

This exhibition was also made possible through special cooperation with the Embassy of Kyrgyzstan in Korea, as Buyckx's project took place in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan.

Kyrgyzstan Ambassador to Korea Dinara Kemelova said that the photos show the unique nature of her mountainous country.

"Our culture was formed under the influence of nomadic life. The connection between the Kyrgyz culture and nature can be traced everywhere, from design to music ... I hope this exhibition will reach the purpose of developing intercultural exchanges, thus strengthening friendship and mutual understanding among people," Ambassador Kemelova said.

The physical exhibit runs until Feb. 9 and is also available to view via VR.