“The exchange of art between two nations will adorn part of the history”

                                                                                 Pic courtesy : Amlan Biswas

The Department of Painting, Kala Bhavana, Visva Bharti initiated an exchange programme on the basis of an exhibition with Daegu Fine Arts Association, South Korea in 2014-15. The whole intention behind this exhibition was to generate a new dialogue between art practice of Daegu in particular and Kala Bhavana,  Shantiniketan. Park, Byung- Ko, President of Daegu Fine Arts Association shares thought about the exchange exhibition.

What is your expectation from this exchange exhibition between Daegu Fine Arts Association and Kala Bhavana, Visva Bharti?

The exchange of art between two nations will adorn part of the history. This event was a great chance to introduce the Indian fine arts to Korea which is unfamiliar to many Koreans and make the Korean arts spread in India as well.

What are your thoughts on the contemporary art landscape in Korea?

Pic courtesy : Amlan Biswas

We could say diversity which is not only related to the medium of art but also to the mind of artist. The mind (or the attitude) of artist follows up the object where artist does not just convey meaning any more. In Korea contemporary arts, let me say in terms of fine art that is to say visual art. muninhwa(literary   painting) was originally based on sunbi(intellectual) who enjoyed writing poems, calligraphy and paintings with only black water colour and empty space in a paper or silk. It was all for the harmony between nature and man. SunBi played like this. For instance, when they painted mountains and waters sunbi does not tried to make real nature, or rather the mind. During several hundred years until now this tradition has continuously remained. This is the spirit of Muninhwa. However the way of expressions has been explored in various styles. For instance, the contemporaries use the canvas instead of paper as well. It is depicted anything included ume flower (blossom), orchid, chrysanthemum, bamboo etc. The young Korean artists have done much better with fusion of media. HANKUKWHA, WHICH means literally Korean painting, or Dongyangwha, which means literally far eastern paintings, was confronted to the western art. From at the end of nineteenth century through twentieth century it was formed during Japanese colonized period. That is to say Hankukwha portrayed nature and portraits with traditional water colours. Such a feeling and vision of China, Japan and Korea is doubtless a kind OF OLD root of art.

Since modern era (mainly 20th century) Korean artists have lots of chance to learn western trends of art. In 1960s, mulpa influenced Korean art landscape, which is similar to minimalism at the same time more eastern philosophical. Lee u fan is one of best artists. From1970s, there has been occurred so many roads of art. For example, installation works performance, photo realism, and reflection images and so on. Nowadays, in short, it is very difficult to descript clearly Korea contemporary art like other countries.


What are the main activities of Daegu Fine Arts Association (DFAA)?

There are 2,200 artists members of DFAA. We do give support to young ARTISTS (residency program, space for work, seminar, workshop, and money etc.) We conduct international exchange programs for mutual development (China, Germany, Japan, Hungary and India). It is to be noted Daegu city government sponsors and supports many programs through which Daegu has becomes one of the best art cities in Korea.

According to you how important are cultural exchange programs?

There are no boundaries in art. Definitely, through this exchange program we could know each other’s Culture and work. This was possible due to mutual confidence. So it is more powerful than politics and diplomatic.

Could you share your experiences here in India during 2014 and 2016?

I found out that India contemporary art spreads due to the Indian traditional thoughts though there are so many different ways of expression of art in India. This impact of Indian civilization contributes not only Indian art but also global art. Through the meetings of the teachers of Kala Bhavana, Visva Bharti, I feel very deeply their pure passion for art and compassion for others. It remains forever to me.