By Honorary Reporter Maulia Resta Mardaningtias from Indonesia

Photos = Maulia Resta Mardaningtias

The Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in Jakarta, Indonesia, from April 15-16 held the exhibition "Korea 360 Arts & Culture Celebration" at Lotte Shopping Avenue.

I visited the event on both days. It was not only for display but also marked the end of cultural classes at the KCC that started early this year. I attended the closing ceremony to see the works I made in a traditional craft culture class. 

The jogakbo (patchwork) in the mid-left partition is my work.

Among the works displayed were those from my class and illustrations from KCC contests. I recognized names of Honorary Reporters I knew and found at least three whose works were displayed at the event.

The following are the impressions of those whose works were chosen for display at the exhibition.

Eva

"After participating in the KCC's craft culture class, I was thrilled because this activity allowed me to experience many things and build good relationships with people. I was also a little sad when the class was over," she said.

Eva and the teacher of her Korean culture class pose for a photo in front of her handicrafts.

"Then after seeing the things I made, I was impressed with myself. I completed everything that my teacher taught me to make and learned that the sewing process cannot be instantaneous and must be finished in small installments," she added. "This was the first time for my works to be shown to the public, so I'm truly grateful to see other people happy to see my work." 

Binar Candra

This fellow Honorary Reporter was the winner of the Korean poetry competition. A video of her entry was shown at the opening ceremony of the event. 

"I'm touched over appreciation of my work and feel proud to be part of the 50th anniversary of relations between both countries. I'm happy to express the bilateral friendship through poetry," she said.

Binar Candra (left) receives her award at the 360 Korean Arts & Culture Celebration with a video of her poetry shown on the screen.

Candra's winning work was "As Time Goes By."

"When I heard about 50 years of relations between our countries, I thought about the past struggles, present achievements and hopes for the future of both sides. My poem was inspired by what Indonesia and Korea went through to achieve independence. Not to forget these efforts, I also expressed my hope for better bilateral ties," she said. 

Farrashafa

Another unique work was obangsaek, the five traditional Korean colors of white, black, blue, yellow and red, expressed in a work by Farrashafa. Unlike common designs of this kind, her work, which won an award in the competition, was in the form of a traditional Korean mask.

This obangsaek-inspired mask is the work of Farrashafa.

Also an Honorary Reporter, Farrashafa said, "I'm very happy and proud to take part in an exhibition organized by the KCC. It's amazing how my works were seen by many people, not only by Hallyu enthusiasts but also the public who visited this exhibition at Lotte."

Monthi Rosselini

Several illustrations displayed at the exhibition were by yet another Honorary Reporter Monthi Rosselini. 

"I entered the obangsaek design competition to celebrate the 50th anniversary of bilateral ties this year, but didn't expect that my works would be among those selected for display at the Korea 360 Art & Culture Celebration in Jakarta," she said. 

These are among Monthi Rosselini's works displayed at the event.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things.