Art Exhibition Calendar

“Earth Report”: Up and coming Korean artist Zin Ki-jong showcases dioramas that shed new light on one of the biggest global issues today -- environmental problems -- at 16 Bungee. The works feature unfamiliar realities or his imaginations on the causes of environmental problems. The exhibition runs through Sep. 19 at 16 Bungee in Sagan-dong, central Seoul. For details, call (02) 722-3503 or visit www.16bungee.com.

“2010 Hermes Foundation Missulsang Exhibition”: Three finalists of this year’s Hermes Foundation Missulsang, or art award, are showcasing their works at Atelier Hermes in Sinsa-dong, southern Seoul. Sponsored by the Hermes Foundation for new projects, the three finalists offer some peculiar and creative works. Media artist Yangachi introduces a multi-view video series titled “Bright Dove Hyunsook,” Bae Jong-heon proposes a new project, “A Weather Forecast,” to question how the scientific analysis of observing and studying natural phenomena has come to control our lives and society and Park Ji-na painted snap shots of people installing artworks at a gallery or an art museum, getting ready to hold an exhibition. The exhibition runs through Sept. 19. For more information, call (02) 544-7722.

“From Turner to Impressionists: The collection of British landscape paintings”: Seoul Arts Center offers over 110 modern paintings by British artists from the 18th and the 19th centuries, including William Turner, John Constable, John Millais, Edward Stott and Henry Herbert La Thangue. The exhibition runs through Sept. 26 at Hangaram Design Museum in Seoul Arts Center in Seocho-dong, southern Seoul. Tickets range from 4,000 won to 11,000 won. For more information, call (02) 325-1077 or visit www.british2010.co.kr.

“The Shadow of Speech, MACBA Collection”: The National Museum of Contemporary Art presents some 140 paintings, sculptures, installation and media art by 63 contemporary artists owned by MACBA, an institute dedicated to collecting artwork that reflects Spanish culture and history. Ever since its establishment in Barcelona, Spain, MACBA has become one of the largest art museums alongside the Museo Reina Sofia and the Museo del Prado. Works by non-Spanish artists are also found at the exhibition, giving the visitors an opportunity to compare international trends with movements within Spanish art circles. The exhibition runs through Oct. 3 at the National Museum of Contemporary Art in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province. For more information, call (02) 2188-6000 or visit www.moca.go.kr.

“Realism in Asian Art”: The National Museum of Contemporary Art, Deoksugung, in central Seoul is currently showcasing 104 realism paintings from 10 different Asian countries -- South Korea, China, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and India. All exhibits, except the paintings by Korean artists, are shown in the country for the first time. Displayed artworks meticulously reflect the countries’ political, economical and cultural situations at the time, or sometimes intrigue the viewers to search for the real truth hidden under the thick layers of paint. The exhibition runs through Oct. 10. Tickets range from 2,000 won to 5,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2188-6000 or asia.moca.go.kr.

“Theo Jansen - Animals Modular”: Animal-like creatures, called “Strandbeests,” created by Dutch artist Theo Jansen are on show for the first time in Korea at Gwacheon National Science Museum in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province. Of 25 Strandbeests Jansen has created, 17 of them, including “Animaris Vulgaris,” and “Animaris Ordis,” which was specially made for a BMW TV commercial, will be on display. The exhibition will also show Jansen’s latest piece, “Animaris Umerus,” for the first time. The exhibition runs from Saturday through Oct. 17 at Gwacheon National Science Museum in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province. The museum is located near Seoul Grand Park Station on Subway Line No. 4, Exit 5. Tickets range from 4,000 won to 13,000 won. For more information, visit www.theojansen.co.kr.

“Chang-sub Chung Retrospective”: Monotone paintings made with “dakjongi,” or Korean traditional paper made from mulberry bark, by veteran artist Chung Chang-sub is on display at the National Museum of Contemporary Art in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province. Chung is one of the doyens of Korean art who led some of Korea’s important art movements such as Art Informel. Ironically, however, this exhibition is his first-ever solo exhibition held at a national museum. His artworks are the kind that do not make a strong first impression, but reveal much more by not expressing too much. The exhibition runs through Oct. 17. Tickets are 1,500 won for students and 3,000 won for adults. For more information, call (02) 2188-6000 or visit www.moca.go.kr. 

“Haegue Yang: Voice Over Three”: The Artsonje Center presents over ten works of Yang Haegue’s major and recent works. Yang gained recognition in the international art scene, especially after her solo exhibition “Condensation” at the Korean Pavilion of 2009 Venice Biennale. Her video essays, graphics, collages, photography and light sculptures usually question the relations between individuals regarding the notion of community. The exhibition runs through Oct. 24 at the Artsonje Center in Hwa-dong, central Seoul. Tickets are 1,500 won for students and 3,000 won for adults. For details, call (02) 739-7067 or visit www.artsonje.org/asc.

“The Masters of Korean Modern and Contemporary Art”: In cooperation with Korea University Museum, 63 Sky Art Gallery is displaying 65 paintings and sculptures by 48 renowned Korean modern and contemporary artists to offer a chance for the visitors to take a look into the nation’s art history. The exhibition is divided into three divisions which each focus on “People,” “Landscapes and Still Life” and “Abstract Artworks.” The exhibition runs through Nov. 7 at 63 Sky Art Gallery on the 60th floor of the 63 Building in Yeouido-dong, central Seoul. Tickets are 10,000 won for children, 11,000 won for adolescents and 12,000 won for adults. For more information, call (02) 789-5663 or visit www.63.co.kr.