Gangwon Province's Artistic Soul: Exhibition Features 20 Prominent Artists

The Gangwon Foundation for Arts and Culture proudly presents 'Breathing of the Origin: Stories of 20 People from Gangwon,' a captivating exhibition at the Chuncheon Culture & Arts Center. This significant event brings together twenty distinguished visual artists, all hailing from the Gangwon province, to delve into their personal histories and the profound influence of their homeland on their creative endeavors.

This exhibition is more than just a display of art; it is a deep exploration into the 'umbilical cord of the soul'—Gangwon—for these artists who have since established their unique artistic identities. Their works are a testament to their life's trajectory and the very source of their inspiration. For instance, artist Jeon Kwang-young masterfully blends his childhood memories of Hongcheon with traditional Korean 'jeong' (affection) culture, creating distinctive works with 'hanji' (Korean paper) that embody the essence of Korean contemporary art on a global scale.

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In an era where grand narratives have disappeared, the 'living stories' drawn from the lives of individual artists possess a more powerful universality than anything else.

Painter Lee Jae-sam captures the ethereal mist and moonlight of Cheongnyeongpo in Yeongwol using only charcoal, while artist Ahn Jae-hong, a recipient of the Seokju Art Prize, combines the harshness of Yanggu's winter with human forms to symbolize the 'power of Gangwon' and its vitality. Shin Ji-hee, the curator, emphasized the power of 'living stories' drawn from individual lives in an era where grand narratives have faded. The foundation hopes this exhibition transcends regional divides, offering a profound reflection on the human condition and serving as a vital artistic legacy.

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We hope that this record, created by the diverse breaths of 20 people, becomes a valuable artistic asset that allows us to face the origin of human existence beyond the boundaries of region.