By Ochiaka Ugwu
Korean Cultural Center in Nigeria has partnered with a foremost Nigerian art promoter and Founder of Nike Art Gallery, Chief Mrs. Nike Okundaye to further redefine and promote Korea, Nigeria relations through art.
Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Kim Pankyu speaking during the occasion of Hanbok Exhibition tagged “Hanbok Reborn as Art” held at Nike Art Gallery in Abuja Thursday to strengthen cultural relations of the two nations, informed that the concept of ‘HANBOK REBORN AS ART’ evolves from the basic and crucial foundation of Korean tradition and heritage – the traditional Korean outfit.
Amb. Kim while hailing the synergy with Nike Art Gallery expressed appreciation for the gallery’s founder, Chief Nike Okundaye, whom he described as a friend of Korea, said Korean artists have explored Korean identity, using elements of the Hanbok, shapes, colors and more to create art work for the global audience.
Continuing, he informed that the earliest origins of the hanbok, can be traced back to the late three kingdoms period of Korea.
According to Kim, “This concept of ‘HANBOK REBORN AS ART’ evolves from the basic and crucial foundation of Korean tradition and heritage – the traditional Korean outfit – the Hanbok.
“The earliest origins of the hanbok, can be traced back to the late three kingdoms period of Korea. “We know how and just as many other aspects, in culture and society. It evolves, but it is not lost.
“As the hanbok embodies the Korean people’s history, culture, tradition, belief system and nation. It has adopted various forms in response to modern times.
”And this is what 11 gifted Korean artists have tried to achieve through their work here/ All the way in Korea, these Modern artists, have explored Korean identity, using elements of the Hanbok, shapes, colors and more to create art work for the global world.
“We hope that you not only experience the novelty and creativity of these artists, but, that you also witness, the uniqueness of the hanbok.
“We are also grateful for the friendship we have cultivated with Mama NIKE and applaud her for always being a supporter of Korean culture” he said.
Also speaking, founder of Nike Art Gallery, Chief Nike Okundaye thanked the Korean Ambassador for the support given to promote art in Nigeria and sharing in its cultural activities.
She narrated how she was stunned and impressed with Korean Art and museum when the embassy sent him to Korea and called on Nigerian artists and the public to take advantage of the rare opportunity to explore Korean creativity and culture through the exhibition.
Her words, “I was sent to South Korea by the Embassy, and when I got there, I was so impressed. Everything in South Korea is art—even the food.
“So, for South Korea to come with the art, culture is the next thing to the country. I would love for everybody who is an artist in Nigeria to come and see this beautiful world” she said with excitement.
However, the exhibition displays work by eleven Korean artists which include: Kwon Ki Soo, Kim Si Hyun, Nam Kyung Min, Yang Dae Won, Lee Don Ah, Lee Bong Yi, Lee Soo In, Lee Joong Keun, Lee Hoo Chang, Jung Myoung Jo, and Jung Hai Yun.
Each artist reinterprets the Hanbok through various initiatives, painting, sculpture, installation, and video-using its patterns, textures, and symbolism to explore contemporary Korean identity.
It could be recalled that Hanbok, Reborn as Art shines a contemporary light on the enduring value and rich history of the hanbok, Korea’s precious cultural heritage.
More than mere clothing, the hanbok shows the Korean people’s history, culture, philosophy, and beauty.
Through the ages, as it evolved alongside the lives of Koreans, the hanbok has adopted various forms in response to the changing times. By reinterpreting it through the lens of contemporary artists.
The exhibition in partnership with Nike Art Gallery was to explore new artistic values and possibilities at the intersection of tradition and modernity. It is worthy of note that eleven participating artists reimagine elements of traditional culture, such as patterns, colors, and shapes found in hanbok, employing the language of contemporary art to breathe new life into these motifs.
The works realized in a range of media and techniques, from painting and sculpture to installation and video, enable a deep exploration of Korean identity and the f essence of its culture. This exhibition aims to transcend mere viewing, fostering an environment where audiences can directly engage with and experience the content, thus offering a gateway to understanding Korea’s unique spirit and history through contemporary artworks inspired by the hanbok. Furthermore, it plays a crucial role in conveying the value of traditional culture to future generations and in promoting Korea’s cultural heritage on the global stage.
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