By Honorary Reporter Jianping Sun from China

Photo = Jianping Sun

I attended the Language of Craft: China-Korea Craft Exchange Exhibition that opened on Nov. 8 at the Korean Cultural Center in Shanghai. To run through Dec. 14, this display brought together prominent artisans of non-material cultural heritage and promising artists from Korea.

The exhibition beautifully illustrated how craft transcends mere physical form. Each piece encapsulated historical transformations, cultural significance and the artist's creative reflections.

One of the highlights was a lecture on glass craftsmanship by Korean artist Lee Kyu-hong, who shared insights into the history, diverse applications and techniques of his craft.

Singer CHUNG HA then performed traditional songs inspired by the art form dating back to Korea's Three Kingdoms era (57 B.C.-668 A.D.).

The work "BL22AU23" by Lee evokes a mysterious and dreamlike atmosphere, reminiscent of the Milky Way at dawn and the Northern Lights. I feel that it embodies a sense of awe-inspiring nature, reflecting the artist's delicate perception of nature.

Another notable work was "Infinite Structure" by Park Sung-rim. With her knotting techniques, she controls the physical shapes and scales of her works to interpret the unique softness and natural textures of fiber.

"Cloudscape Emergence" by Sam Chung uses clouds as a medium to reflect his bicultural experience as a Korean American. His prominent cloud patterns from traditional Korean art symbolize human origins and the fulfillment of wishes.

Chun Yoo-sun's "Open Vase 0224" begins with the essence of traditional jars, focusing on the concept of emptiness and fullness and expanding into philosophical musings on being and non-being. The metallic seams blend material and immaterial concepts that harmonize with the environment.

Finally "Sunset in A Bowl" by Kim Jun-ryong integrates elements of dusk, dawn and the sky into his elegantly shaped works. By combining colored glass, he presents a unique color sensibility for a remarkable harmony between fluid forms and exquisite surfaces.

The exhibition displays the craft cultures of both countries, particularly the rich heritage and innovation of Korean craftsmanship.

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.