Smithsonian to Showcase Lee kun-hee Collection, Highlighting Korean Art and Beliefs

WASHINGTON (AP) — The smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art is preparing to unveil a major exhibition of the late Lee Kun-hee’s art collection this November, offering a glimpse into⁤ Korean life and philosophy. According to Hwang Sun-woo, the museum’s Korean art curator, the exhibition⁢ aims to⁤ transcend ⁢the presentation of mere artifacts, providing context and meaning for visitors unfamiliar with Korean⁤ culture.

A Deep Dive into Korean Culture

Hwang, speaking at the museum on April 4, ⁢emphasized the importance of understanding the cultural, social, and past contexts surrounding Korean artworks.The exhibition, opening for ⁢the first time in 102 years, will feature a curated selection of paintings, ceramics, and Buddhist statues, among other treasures. The⁤ displays will be organized around themes of life and philosophy⁣ from the Joseon dynasty, including recreations of a scholar’s studio and displays‍ of everyday objects used⁤ by Joseon officials and writers.

lee Kun-hee Collection Goes Global

The Smithsonian exhibition marks the first⁣ international showing of the “Lee Kun-hee Collection,” a trove of artworks donated by the former Samsung Electronics chairman. Following the Washington D.C. presentation,the collection is slated to ⁣travel to the British‍ Museum in London. ⁤While each institution⁣ will draw from the same collection, they⁣ will each⁢ curate their own unique exhibitions.

Collecting Philosophy

The Washington exhibition, comprising approximately ⁣250 works, will uniquely highlight the philosophy of collecting and the⁣ collectors themselves.The museum draws ‍a parallel between Lee Kun-hee’s dedication to collecting‍ and ⁣sharing art and the legacy⁤ of Charles Freer (1854-1919), a U.S. railway magnate who donated his extensive collection of Asian art to the U.S. government, leading to the museum’s founding in 1923. “The ‍museum wanted to attract ⁤lee Kun-hee’s collection because the value of collecting and sharing resembles the founder of the museum,” Hwang said.

A Historic Debut

This exhibition represents the largest Korean art exhibition in the museum’s history‍ and also marks Hwang’s debut⁢ as a curator.Hwang initially joined the museum as an intern through the Korea Foundation (KF) in 2018 and, after six years ⁢as a researcher, was appointed as the first dedicated Korean art curator through a KF-funded program. ⁣Previously, Korean collections were managed by Chinese art curators. The museum has a history of showcasing Korean art, including the⁢ acquisition⁤ of the “Allen Collection” of Korean ceramics, assembled by U.S. missionary ⁢Horace Allen⁣ (1858-1932).

A Sense of⁢ Mission

Hwang expressed a strong sense of mission in introducing Korean art to audiences in Washington, D.C.⁢ “There is an certain aspect because there is a difference in the ⁣number of collections,” Hwang noted, highlighting the importance of dedicated Korean art representation.

Anticipated Masterpieces

When asked about the most⁤ anticipated works in the Lee Kun-hee collection, Hwang highlighted Jeongseon’s “Inwangjesaekdo” (Inwang Mountains after rain), Kim Hong-do’s “Fishermen,” and “Wol In Seokbo” (Episodes from the Life of the Buddha) created⁤ by King Sejo. Hwang described “Inwangjesaekdo” as an overwhelming work in its size ⁣and expression,⁣ while “Fishermen”⁢ offers a sense⁣ of⁣ comfort. Regarding “Wol In Seokbo,” Hwang noted the frequent questions from visitors unfamiliar with the history of the Korean alphabet, Hangeul.

Smithsonian to Showcase Lee ⁤Kun-hee Collection: Your Guide⁤ to Korean Art and ⁢Culture

Are you curious about Korean ⁣art and culture? The Smithsonian National⁣ Museum of Asian ⁣art is ⁣about‍ to unveil a major exhibition you won’t want⁤ to miss! This Q&A-style guide will ‍provide all the insights you need.

What is the lee Kun-hee Collection Exhibition?

The Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art will feature an exhibition of artworks from the Lee Kun-hee Collection. Lee⁢ Kun-hee, the late chairman of Samsung Electronics, amassed a critically ⁣important collection of art. This exhibition marks the first international showing of the collection, offering a glimpse into Korean life ⁢and ideology.

When and Where is the Exhibition?

The exhibition is set ⁢to open at the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, D.C.,‍ this November. following the Washington D.C. presentation, the collection is slated to travel⁣ to the British Museum in London.

What Can I expect to See in the Exhibition?

The exhibition promises a deep‍ dive into ⁣Korean culture, going beyond ⁣the display of mere artifacts.According to ⁤Hwang⁤ Sun-woo, the museum’s Korean art ⁣curator, the exhibition aims to provide context and meaning for visitors unfamiliar with Korean culture. You can expect:

A curated selection of paintings, ceramics, and Buddhist statues.

Displays organized around themes of life and philosophy from the joseon dynasty.

Recreations of ⁢a scholar’s studio.

Displays of everyday objects used by Joseon ⁣officials and ⁣writers.

How Many Works Will Be on Display at the Washington D.C. Exhibition?

Approximately 250 works will be showcased in the Washington, D.C. exhibition.

Why is This Exhibition Significant?

this exhibition is not only the largest ⁣Korean art exhibition⁢ in the museum’s history but also marks a significant debut. It’s the first international showing of the Lee Kun-hee Collection, making it⁤ a must-see event.

Who is Hwang Sun-woo?

Hwang Sun-woo is the Korean art curator at the ⁢Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art. This exhibition represents Hwang’s debut as a curator. ⁤Hwang initially joined the museum as an intern through the Korea Foundation (KF) in⁣ 2018 and, ⁣after⁤ six years ⁣as a researcher, was appointed as the first dedicated korean art curator through a KF-funded program.

What is the ⁤Philosophy Behind the ‍Exhibition?

The exhibition aims to highlight the philosophy‍ of collecting and the collectors themselves. The museum draws a ⁤parallel between Lee Kun-hee’s ⁢dedication to collecting and sharing art and⁤ the legacy of Charles Freer, the founder‍ of the museum. According to Hwang,the museum wanted to⁤ attract Lee Kun-hee’s collection becuase the value of collecting and sharing resembles the founder of the museum.

What Are Some ⁢of the ⁤Anticipated Masterpieces?

Hwang highlighted ⁢several highly ⁣anticipated works:

“Inwangjesaekdo” ⁣(Inwang ⁣Mountains after rain) by Jeongseon: Described as an overwhelming work in its size and expression.

“Fishermen” by Kim hong-do: Expected‍ to offer a sense of comfort.

* “Wol ⁤In Seokbo” (Episodes from the Life of the Buddha) created by King Sejo: Noted questions about the history of the Korean alphabet, Hangeul, are frequent from ‍visitors.

How Does This Exhibition Connect⁤ to the Museum’s History?

The Smithsonian National museum of Asian⁢ Art has a history of showcasing korean art, including the acquisition of the “Allen collection” of Korean ceramics, assembled by U.S.missionary Horace ‍Allen. This exhibition ⁢builds⁢ upon ⁣that legacy.

Comparison of the⁢ DC and London Exhibitions

While both exhibitions ⁤will draw from the ⁤same Lee‍ Kun-hee Collection,‍ thay will each be curated uniquely.

| Feature‍ ⁢ ⁤ | Washington,D.C. ‍ ‍ ⁤ ⁣ ⁢ ⁢ ⁣ ‍ | London (British Museum) ⁤ ⁢ |

|⁢ ——————- | —————————————————————— | ——————————————————————- |

| ‍Collection Source | Lee Kun-hee Collection ⁢⁢ ⁣ ⁣ | Lee Kun-hee Collection ⁣ ⁤ ⁤ ⁤ ⁤ ⁤ |

| Exhibition Focus ‍⁤ |⁢ Highlighting the philosophy of collecting and the collectors ⁣ ⁣ | Will curate its own unique⁣ exhibition ⁣ ⁣ ‍ |

| Curator |⁢ Hwang Sun-woo ⁣ ⁣ ‍ ⁢ ‍ ⁢ ⁣ ‍ ⁤ ⁣⁣ | Not specified ⁣ ‍ ⁣ ⁣ ⁤ ‍ ‍ |

Where can I Learn More?

For more information, you can⁢ contact the⁢ Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art at 202-633-0488.