The Korean Cultural Center in Pretoria, South Africa, is showcasing the works of Korea's leading woodcut artist Lee Chul Soo, whose prints are pictured.

By Park Hye Ri
Photos = Korean Cultural Center in South Africa

An exhibition of the works of the nation's leading woodcut artist Lee Chul Soo has been opened in South Africa.

The Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in Pretoria, the country's administrative capital, on Aug. 1 said it opened that day Lee's solo exhibition "Ink & Wood."

He gained prominence in the 1980s as a woodcut artist through his works under the themes of the rights of students and workers and the pro-democracy movement. Since the 1990s, his art has attracted attention for its deep insight into the routine of daily life and expressing through diverse perspectives the appearance of humans living in colorful nature.

The exhibition showcases 29 of the artist's leading works that depict his world over the past 40 years including "In the Back," "Shopping" and "Starlight Falling on the Donggang River" (unofficial translations).

A video screened at the opening ceremony on Aug. 1 explained his philosophy of art and aspects of daily life, the KCC said. Visitors also got the chance to directly print woodcuts on replicas of two of Lee's works.

In a written message sent to the KCC, the artist said, "This woodcut art exhibition is a valuable effort and suggestion to understand each other," adding, "I believe we can see ourselves having heart-to-heart conversations in front of the works."

The woodcut printing event is available through reservation. The exhibition will run through Nov. 30 and is closed on weekends and national holidays. 

On the left is a photo of leading woodcut artist Lee Chul Soo and on the right is the poster for his solo exhibition "Ink & Wood" at the Korean Cultural Center in Pretoria, South Africa.