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8/10/2008

The Smile of Buddha

Bozar - Centre for Fine Arts, Bruxelles

Curator: Jan Van Alphen

Within the framework of the festival Made in Korea, in the autumn of 2008, the Centre for Fine Arts presents The Smile of Buddha – 1600 years of Buddhist art in Korea. For the first time this exposition brings 130 extraordinary Korean pieces of art to Brussels and tells the history of development of Buddhism. Through its particular geographic location between China and Japan, Korea served as an intermediary of culture, economy and religion between both countries. Thus in the 4th century Buddhism arrived via China in Korea, where it was influenced by native religions like shamanism. Later these Korean Buddhist teachings by their part had an impact on Japan. Although Korea had a lot of exchange wit hits neighbouring countries, it developed a culture entirely of its own. Buddhism occupies a central position within the Korean society: numerous works of art and daily appliances give evidence for the Buddhist influence. The sculptures, paintings, ceramics and architecture in Korea, inspired by Buddhism, also have their own specific and unique characteristics.

The exposition is structured chronologically and spans the period form the 5th century until the 20th century. The Smile of Buddha contains some of the most refined and richest art treasures Korea ever produced: Buddha and Bodhisattva depictions out of different materials (bronze, gilt bronze, iron and stone) and in several formats (going from little votive statues to more than life-sized sculptures) temple ornaments in terra cotta (decorative roof tiles, relieved paving tiles) implements (stone urns, dishes, teapots) with Buddhist motives, golden and bronze reliquaries out of pagodas with the original content, bronze temple bells and ritual objects, Buddhist writings (Sutras), national treasures from the National Museum of Seoul, a selection of the finest paintings Koryo-period, a golden kings crown and a golden belt from the 6th century out of royal tombs… The exhibition ends with some extraordinary pencil drawings of the contemporary “Maestro of Korean Art” Park Dae-Sung.

Next to The Smile of Buddha, the main exhibition of the Korea Festival, the Centre for Fine Arts presents contemporary art from four leading Korean artists. The Hundred and Eight Torments of Mankind from Nam June Paik Ever since the Sixties Nam June Paik has been a pioneer in video art. At first, this was within the Fluxus movement; later, his visual approach concentrated on the new media of the time - television - which he used as a veritable sculpted material. His innovative approach gave birth to video art, now widely used by artists all over the world.

Lotus: Zone of Zero 2008 from Kimsooja

With his multimedia installation Lotus: Zone of Zero 2008 Kimsooja brings an ode to peace. This talent out of the current Korean art scene is an atypical figure at the crossroads between photography, performance, video and installation. She distributes her lotus flower lanterns against a background of Tibetan, Gregorian and Arabic hymns.

Sacred wood - Timeless photography from Bae, Bien-U

Communion with Nature is the leitmotiv of Bae, Bien-U's photographic work. With Sacred wood - Timeless photography he wants to reflect the desire of the Korean people to live in harmony with their environment.

111 bowls from Young-Jae Lee

Young-Jae Lee creates a unique installation by grouping simple ceramic bowls: every bowl speaks for itself and by uniting them she creates a peaceful dialogue.

Scenographer: Lee Preedy

Press opening 9th of October at 11am

Bozar Centre for Fine Arts
Rue Ravensteinstraat 23 - Brussels

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