🇰🇷Arts of Korea Unit 12 – Korean Art in Global Context

Key Concepts and Themes

• Explores the interplay between traditional Korean aesthetics and global artistic influences throughout history
• Examines the role of art in reflecting and shaping Korean cultural identity and values
• Investigates the impact of political, social, and economic factors on the development of Korean art
• Analyzes the significance of religious and philosophical beliefs (Buddhism, Confucianism, Shamanism) in Korean artistic expression
• Traces the evolution of Korean art from ancient times to the contemporary era, highlighting key transitions and innovations
• Discusses the importance of craftsmanship, materiality, and technique in Korean art forms (ceramics, painting, sculpture)
• Considers the influence of Korean art on global artistic traditions and its place in the international art world

Historical Context

• Korean art has been shaped by the country's complex history, marked by periods of foreign invasions, occupations, and internal conflicts
• Ancient Korean art (Goguryeo, Baekje, Silla kingdoms) reflects the influence of Chinese and Central Asian cultures through trade and diplomacy
• The Unified Silla period (668-935 CE) saw the flourishing of Buddhist art and architecture, as the religion gained prominence in the region
• During the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392), celadon ceramics and Buddhist paintings reached new heights of refinement and sophistication
  • Goryeo celadon is known for its unique blue-green glaze and intricate incised designs
• The Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) marked a shift towards Confucian values, leading to the development of a distinctive style of landscape painting and the rise of literati art
• Japanese colonial rule (1910-1945) introduced Western artistic influences and techniques, while also suppressing traditional Korean art forms
• Post-war Korean art grappled with issues of national identity, modernization, and the legacy of colonialism and division

Major Periods and Styles

• Three Kingdoms Period (57 BCE - 668 CE): Characterized by the influence of Buddhism and the development of distinct artistic styles in the Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla kingdoms
  • Goguryeo tomb murals depict vivid scenes of daily life, mythology, and warfare
  • Baekje is known for its elegant gold crowns and jewelry, reflecting the kingdom's wealth and sophistication
  • Silla art is characterized by its refinement and attention to detail, as seen in the famous Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple
• Unified Silla Period (668-935 CE): Marked by the flourishing of Buddhist art and architecture, including the construction of grand temples and the production of exquisite gold and bronze sculptures
• Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392): Renowned for its celadon ceramics, which feature delicate inlaid designs and vibrant blue-green glazes, as well as Buddhist paintings and illuminated sutras
• Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910): Characterized by the rise of Confucian values and the development of a distinctive style of landscape painting (true-view), as well as the popularity of genre paintings depicting daily life and customs
• Colonial Period (1910-1945): Introduced Western artistic influences and techniques, such as oil painting and sculpture, while also suppressing traditional Korean art forms
• Post-war and Contemporary Period (1945-present): Marked by the exploration of new artistic mediums, styles, and themes, as well as the engagement with global art movements and the questioning of traditional cultural identities

Influential Artists and Works

• Jeong Seon (1676-1759): Considered the father of true-view landscape painting in Korea, his works capture the beauty and spirit of the Korean landscape with a sense of realism and atmosphere
  • "Geumgang jeondo" (General view of Mt. Geumgang) is one of his most famous works, depicting the majestic mountain range with a combination of ink wash and subtle coloring
• Kim Hong-do (1745-1806): Known for his genre paintings that vividly depict the daily lives and customs of ordinary people during the Joseon Dynasty
  • "Seodang" (Village school) captures the lively atmosphere of a traditional village school, with children studying and playing under the guidance of a teacher
• Nam June Paik (1932-2006): A pioneering video artist who played a crucial role in the development of media art and the use of technology in artistic expression
  • "TV Buddha" is an iconic installation that juxtaposes a traditional Buddha statue with a television monitor, exploring the relationship between spirituality and technology
• Lee Ufan (b. 1936): A prominent figure in the Mono-ha and Dansaekhwa movements, known for his minimalist paintings and sculptures that emphasize the relationship between materials, space, and viewer
  • "Correspondence" series features simple brushstrokes or stones placed on canvas, inviting contemplation on the nature of artistic intervention and the essence of materials
• Do Ho Suh (b. 1962): Known for his large-scale installations that explore themes of home, identity, and cultural displacement, often using transparent fabric to create ghostly replicas of architectural spaces
  • "Seoul Home/L.A. Home/New York Home/Baltimore Home/London Home/Seattle Home" is a series of installations that recreate the artist's personal living spaces from different cities, addressing the notion of transience and belonging

Cultural and Social Influences

• Religion has played a significant role in shaping Korean art, with Buddhism, Confucianism, and Shamanism each leaving their mark on artistic expression and iconography
  • Buddhist art emphasizes the depiction of Buddha, bodhisattvas, and religious narratives, as seen in temple sculptures, paintings, and illuminated sutras
  • Confucian values of hierarchy, loyalty, and filial piety are reflected in portraits of scholars, officials, and ancestors, as well as in the restrained aesthetics of literati painting
  • Shamanistic beliefs and practices are evident in the use of symbolic motifs, such as tigers, dragons, and spirals, as well as in the creation of ritual objects and masks
• Social hierarchies and class distinctions have influenced the production and consumption of art throughout Korean history
  • Court art, commissioned by royalty and the aristocracy, often served to legitimize power and prestige through the use of luxurious materials and refined techniques
  • Literati art, practiced by scholar-officials, emphasized personal expression, calligraphy, and the cultivation of the mind, reflecting Confucian ideals of self-cultivation and harmony with nature
  • Folk art, created by and for the common people, often served practical purposes and incorporated regional styles and motifs, such as in the creation of pottery, textiles, and woodcraft
• Gender roles and expectations have shaped the opportunities and recognition of women artists throughout Korean history
  • Women were often excluded from formal artistic training and institutions, limiting their access to materials, techniques, and networks
  • Some women artists, such as Sin Saimdang (1504-1551) and Na Hye-sok (1896-1948), challenged social norms and gained recognition for their talents in painting, calligraphy, and poetry, paving the way for greater gender equality in the arts

Global Connections and Exchanges

• The Silk Road trade routes facilitated the exchange of artistic ideas, techniques, and styles between Korea and other cultures, particularly China, Central Asia, and the Islamic world
  • The influence of Tang Dynasty (618-907) Chinese art is evident in the Buddhist sculptures and cave temples of the Unified Silla period, which adopted the idealized proportions and flowing drapery of Chinese models
  • The cobalt blue pigment used in Goryeo celadon was imported from the Islamic world, contributing to the distinctive blue-green glaze that became a hallmark of Korean ceramics
• The Japanese invasions of Korea in the late 16th century led to the displacement of Korean artisans and the dissemination of Korean artistic techniques and styles in Japan
  • Korean potters were taken to Japan, where they introduced new techniques and styles that influenced the development of Japanese ceramics, particularly in the production of tea wares and porcelain
• Western artistic influences began to reach Korea in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, initially through encounters with European and American missionaries, diplomats, and merchants
  • The introduction of oil painting, linear perspective, and realism challenged traditional Korean artistic conventions and led to the emergence of new genres and styles, such as still life and nude painting
• Post-war Korean artists engaged with international art movements, such as Abstract Expressionism, Minimalism, and Conceptual Art, while also grappling with questions of cultural identity and the legacy of colonialism
  • The Dansaekhwa (monochrome painting) movement of the 1970s and 1980s, which emphasized the physicality of the painting process and the use of natural materials, gained international recognition and influenced the development of contemporary Asian art
• Contemporary Korean artists continue to participate in global art networks and exhibitions, showcasing the diversity and dynamism of Korean art on the international stage
  • Korean artists have been featured in major biennales and art fairs, such as the Venice Biennale, documenta, and Art Basel, contributing to the growing visibility and appreciation of Korean art worldwide

Techniques and Materials

• Ceramics: Korean pottery has a long and distinguished history, with techniques and styles evolving over time
  • Celadon, a type of green-glazed stoneware, reached its height during the Goryeo Dynasty, featuring intricate incised and inlaid designs and a distinctive blue-green color
  • White porcelain, known as baekja, became popular during the Joseon Dynasty, characterized by its pure white color and delicate shapes, often adorned with cobalt blue underglaze decoration
  • Buncheong ware, a type of stoneware with slip-coated designs, emerged in the early Joseon period, featuring bold, abstract patterns and a more rustic aesthetic
• Painting: Korean painting encompasses a wide range of styles, techniques, and materials, reflecting the diverse influences and traditions that have shaped the art form
  • Ink painting, derived from Chinese literati painting, emphasizes the expressive potential of brushwork and the use of ink washes to create atmosphere and depth
  • True-view landscape painting, which emerged in the Joseon Dynasty, sought to capture the essence and spirit of the Korean landscape through close observation and a balance of realism and abstraction
  • Folk painting, such as the colorful and expressive Minhwa (painting of the people), often depicted auspicious symbols, mythical creatures, and scenes from daily life, using bold outlines and bright colors
• Sculpture: Korean sculpture has been shaped by religious and cultural influences, with a focus on the representation of Buddhist, Confucian, and Shamanistic figures and themes
  • Stone sculpture, particularly granite and limestone, was used extensively in the creation of Buddhist statues, pagodas, and steles, as seen in the Seokguram Grotto and the Tripitaka Koreana woodblocks
  • Bronze sculpture, often gilded or adorned with precious materials, was used to create Buddhist ritual objects, such as bells, incense burners, and reliquaries, as well as royal and aristocratic portraits and accessories
  • Wood sculpture, including masks, figurines, and architectural elements, was used in both religious and secular contexts, often featuring intricate carving and polychrome decoration
• Metalwork: Korean metalworking techniques have been renowned for their sophistication and artistry, encompassing a range of objects and styles
  • Goldsmithing and jewelry-making reached a high level of refinement during the Three Kingdoms period, as evidenced by the elaborate gold crowns, earrings, and belts found in royal tombs
  • Silver and bronze were used to create a variety of functional and decorative objects, such as mirrors, incense burners, and wine cups, often adorned with intricate patterns and inlays
  • Ironwork, including weaponry, armor, and architectural elements, showcased the technical skill and aesthetic sensibility of Korean blacksmiths and craftsmen

Contemporary Korean Art Scene

• The contemporary Korean art scene is characterized by a dynamic interplay of traditional and innovative approaches, as artists engage with a wide range of media, themes, and global influences
• Installation and multimedia art have become increasingly prominent, with artists using video, sound, and interactive elements to create immersive and thought-provoking experiences
  • teamLab, a Tokyo-based art collective, has collaborated with Korean artists and institutions to create large-scale, interactive digital installations that blend art, science, and technology
• Performance art and social practice have emerged as important modes of artistic expression, often addressing issues of identity, politics, and community engagement
  • Jeong Hwa-young, a Seoul-based artist, creates participatory performances and installations that invite audiences to reflect on the nature of human connection and communication
• Street art and public art have gained visibility and recognition, with artists using urban spaces as canvases for social commentary, cultural expression, and aesthetic experimentation
  • The Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan has become a hub for street art and community-driven projects, transforming a once-neglected neighborhood into a vibrant open-air museum
• The global success of Korean popular culture, including K-pop, K-drama, and K-beauty, has brought increased attention to Korean art and design, fostering cross-cultural collaborations and exchanges
  • The "Korean Wave" has influenced the visual language and aesthetics of contemporary art, with artists drawing inspiration from the bold colors, graphic designs, and youthful energy of popular media
• Korean art institutions and galleries have played a crucial role in supporting and promoting contemporary artists, both locally and internationally
  • The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) in Seoul, Gwacheon, and Deoksugung has been at the forefront of collecting, exhibiting, and researching contemporary Korean art, with a focus on fostering dialogue and exchange with global art communities
  • Commercial galleries, such as Kukje Gallery, Arario Gallery, and Hyundai Gallery, have been instrumental in representing and promoting Korean artists in the international art market, participating in major art fairs and collaborating with overseas institutions
• Alternative and independent art spaces have flourished in recent years, providing platforms for experimental and emerging artists to showcase their work and engage with diverse audiences
  • Art collectives, such as Okin Collective and Mixrice, have been active in organizing exhibitions, workshops, and events that challenge conventional notions of art-making and community engagement
  • Artist-run spaces, such as Space XX and Audio Visual Pavilion, have become important hubs for interdisciplinary collaboration, critical discourse, and grassroots cultural activism