A Journey Through Korean Art
February 4–26, 2025
Fondazione Luciana Matalon
Free Entry
From February 4 to 26, the Fondazione Luciana Matalon will host a series of three exhibitions dedicated to Korean art, offering a unique journey through contemporary, traditional, and Buddhist art.
PROGRAM
TOWARDS KOREAN ART
February 4–8, 2025
Opening: Tuesday, February 4, 6:00–8:30 PM | Free Entry
The first exhibition brings together artists from different generations across Korea, showcasing works that explore various genres and languages. The selection highlights the coexistence of visions rooted in traditional folk art, reinterpreted with modern sensitivity, alongside more contemporary, often abstract expressions. Some paintings draw inspiration from ancient calligraphic motifs, while others are influenced by Western modern art. Featured artists include Yim Bong-Jae, Oh Jeong-Yoon, Kim Seong-Im, Choi Hyeon-Mi, and Kang Mi-Ja.
KOREAN MINHWA
February 12–18, 2025
Opening: Wednesday, February 12, 6:00–8:30 PM | Free Entry
Following its success in 2017 and 2018, the halls of Foro Buonaparte will once again be filled with characters and animals from a contemporary art form deeply rooted in a distant tradition, updated and reinterpreted by modern artists.
Minhwa, a characteristic expression of Korea’s folk culture, originated in the 17th century. This popular art form depicted animals, mythological figures, scenes of daily life, and objects symbolizing happiness and prosperity, rendered on paper or silk. Minhwa artists were itinerant, often working during local festivals to fulfill commissions from nobles and commoners alike. Unfortunately, the Korean War in 1950 led to the decline of this tradition.
The Minhwa revival began in South Korea in the 1980s, aiming to preserve this significant cultural heritage while introducing new subjects and maintaining its distinct style. Key to this movement is the Korean Minhwa Association, which unites and supports artists dedicated to Minhwa’s contemporary resurgence. Representatives from the association and the monthly magazine Wol-gan Minhwa will attend.
Recurring themes include animals such as tigers and carp, symbolizing power and success, as well as auspicious figures like birds, cats, and roosters, often depicted alongside moving carp. These motifs, deeply rooted in Korean literary origins, were historically commissioned by families for their protective and auspicious qualities.
KOREAN BUDDHIST ART
February 20–26, 2025
Opening: Thursday, February 20, 6:00–8:30 PM | Free Entry
The final exhibition in the Korean Art Festival delves into a millennia-old tradition, fascinating and largely unknown in the West. It features works by independent artists from across South Korea.
Korean Buddhist painting is not merely a commercial art form; it is a spiritual practice, adhering to strict iconographic rules and utilizing traditional materials and techniques with precision.
The exhibition explores artistic developments across eras, highlighting the role of monks in preserving knowledge and identity. Notable pieces include works inspired by the UNESCO-listed Haeinsa Temple, founded in 802 AD, with architectural motifs rich in symbolism, symmetry, and vibrant colors. These works embody the universal harmony and interconnectedness essential to spiritual enlightenment.
Common depictions include Buddha incarnations, such as Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, whose white robes shimmer like moonlight on water, and Amithaba, Buddha of the Western Paradise, represented on a precious headdress. Some works feature a devout follower in prayer, rendered in smaller dimensions.
The timeless beauty of Korean Buddhist art continues to inspire future generations through educational programs and demonstrations, such as the Buddhist drum performance by Nam Mi-Ae during the vernissage on February 20. Special guest Um Jung-Mi, a Buddhist nun and exhibiting artist, will also attend, along with the Korean TV channel BBS, which will cover the event.
Info and Contacts
Jang Sung-An
[email protected]
Michela Ongaretti | PRESS OFFICE
[email protected] | +39 3475028766
Fondazione Luciana Matalon
+39 02 878781
[email protected]
www.fondazionematalon.org
Opening Hours
February 4–26, 2025
Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
