WHAT: Outdoor light art exhibition and recorded artist talk

WHO: Korean artist Nara Park

WHEN: On View: April 9 – June 27 | Artist talk video release: April 19 at 6:00 p.m.

WHERE: 

- Georgetown GLOW: 3000 K St. NW Washington, D.C. (and other nearby locations)| Details: http://www.georgetownglowdc.com

- GLOW at KCCDC: 2370 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20008

The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) is proud to help present Korean artist Nara Park in the 7th edition of Georgetown GLOW, the outdoor public light art project that graces DC’s Georgetown neighborhood annually, and to present an additional GLOW at KCCDC installation of her work on the front lawn of the KCCDC, both on view April 9 – June 27. 

Park, whose striking yet naturalistic installation art investigates humanity’s relationship with the landscape and the imprint left behind, will also share an inside look at her work and creative process in an artist talk video released by the KCCDC on April 19 at 6:00 p.m. 

For the spring edition of Georgetown GLOW, Park will present The Beginning of Everything, a site-specific installation inspired by Meteor Crater in Arizona, a natural landmark created by a meteorite impact about 50,000 years ago. Park sees the meteorite form as a medium that visually connects the universe and human society. Her work visualizes the original meteor in brilliant light, inviting viewers to think deeply about their existence and relationship with the world. Park’s installation will be on display at 3000 K St. NW Washington, D.C., close to Washington Harbour and the Georgetown Waterfront. 

The Beginning of Everything, Pre-installation concept image. Styrofoam, latex paint, reflective glass beads, LED lights, 2021

For GLOW at KCCDC, Park will introduce another site-specific light installation that integrates the last words (translated, in some cases) of five notable historical figures: “Water.” (Ulysses S. Grant, 18th president of the United States), “I live.” (Aleksis Kivi, Finnish author and poet), “The origin of the soul.” (Saint Anselm, English prelate, philosopher, writer, and Archbishop of Canterbury), “Higher. Always higher.” (Jorge Chávez, Peruvian aviator), and “Where is my clock?” (Salvador Dalí, Spanish surrealist painter). By employing neon lights as the primary material, Park’s work (collectively titled Water, I Live, The Origin of the Soul, Higher. Always Higher., Where Is My Clock?) not only illuminates the last traces of these five individuals in the world but also stimulates viewers to think about their own lives and mortality. The installation will be on display in front of the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C., located at 2370 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.

Water, I Live, The Origin of the Soul, Higher. Always Higher., Where Is My Clock?, Pre-installation concept image. Neon signs, 2021

The KCCDC hopes that this special exhibition event will provide an opportunity for audiences to find renewed appreciation for life while also providing comfort to mind and body during a prolonged pandemic period. The KCCDC will continue engaging with local culture and arts projects in order to better share Korean art while also promoting cultural diversity and exchange.

Nara Park’s recorded talk, offering an inside look at her creative themes, processes, and inspirations, will release on April 19 at 6:00 p.m. on the KCCDC YouTube channel (@Koreaculturedc) and on IGTV(@Koreaculturedc). Both of her art installations will be on display from April 9 through June 27. For more information, visit the KCCDC website at washingtondc.korean-culture.org. 

About the Artist 

Nara Park is a sculptor and installation artist based in Washington, D.C. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture from the Maryland Institute College of Art. Park is a recipient of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities Fellowship from 2018 until 2021. Her work has been on exhibit at numerous venues, including VisArts, De Novo Gallery, Cultural DC Mobile Art Gallery, American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center, and the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. Her work is included in the collections of The Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C. and she has been a guest speaker at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit the artist’s website at https://naraparkstudio.com. 

About Georgetown GLOW

Georgetown GLOW, presented by the Georgetown Business Improvement District, is the region’s only free curated outdoor public light art experience. Established in 2014, the innovative exhibition has quickly become one of DC’s most anticipated traditions. The 7th edition of GLOW is a two-part series featuring a total of eight art works, including six by local DC artists, to ensure a safer and more comfortable visitor experience. Nara Park’s work will be among five artists featured in Spring GLOW, on display both day and night, April 9 – June 27. Summer GLOW will feature three more art works that will transform Georgetown’s public alleys, July 2 – September 26. For more, visit http://www.georgetownglowdc.com/

- See more at: https://cms.korean-culture.org/admin/ctm/bcmview/EXHIBIT/washingtondc/107231/890?grp=2&mid=20&page=0#sthash.xbyBCJQd.dpuf