By Honorary Reporter Omnia Ameer from Egypt
Photos = Omnia Ameer

The Korean Culture Center (KCC) in Egypt in July on social media said Kang Ik-joong, a New York-based visual artist who made the Hangeul Wall at the KCC in the Big Apple, was collecting artworks from the public for his upcoming exhibition "The Four Temples." 

I submitted three crayon paintings each reflecting my personal dreams: visit to Busan, exploring Dokdo Island, and gaining recognition as a leading voice in world dubbing and singing.

My three drawings

From July to October, I eagerly waited to see if any of my three drawings was among the 5,000 selected for the work. The exhibition was held at the Pyramids of Giza from Oct. 24 to Nov. 16.

"The Four Temples" had four parts each representing a temple. Its exterior showed the alphabets of Arabic, English, Korean and hieroglyphics arranged to display the Korean folk song "Arirang," along with its lyrics and translation. This design celebrates cultural heritage with a message of hope, urging peace and unity on the Korean Peninsula. 

"The Four Temples" is decorated with the lyrics of the folk song "Arirang." 

Inside were thousands of drawings by people of all ages around the world, including children living in refugee camps in Egypt. By displaying them next to the pyramids, Kang said he wanted to connect the hope of the future with the history of the past. 

I visited the exhibition first on Nov. 2 as part of a tour. By the time we reached the work, however, the tour ended so I couldn't look for my drawings. But I was lucky to take photos of the piece under the rainbow after it rained there.

The exhibition is situated next to the Pyramids of Giza. 

On Nov. 15, the day before the exhibition ended, I went there again hoping to find one or all of my works. I entered the last temple surrounded by hieroglyphics, and young men took photos next to one of my drawings.

I cried out, "My drawing, my drawing, come see my drawing! I'm going to Busan." Perhaps my voice woke up the pharaohs from their 7,000-year slumber. I had my friend take a photo of me with my work.

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 Korean.