April 2025
The Korean Cultural Center in South Africa is currently presenting a retrospective exhibition, “LEE JUNG-SEOP: Art of Family and Longing,” on Lee Jung-seop, one of the most significant figures in modern Korean art, running until June 30. Often hailed as Korea’s national painter, Lee’s work is deeply rooted in the country’s cultural identity and collective emotions. This exhibition provides a compelling journey through his artistic evolution and personal narrative.
Born in the early 1910s, Lee developed a keen interest in Korean traditions from a young age. He began his career in Korea before traveling to Japan to study abroad, where he was introduced to Western painting techniques. Merging these influences, he crafted a distinctive artistic style that set him apart.
The exhibition showcases some of Lee’s most renowned works, including pieces from his celebrated “Bull” series. The bull, a recurring motif in his paintings, serves as a poignant representation of resilience and the Korean spirit, encapsulating both national sentiment and personal expression. In addition to these dynamic compositions, the exhibition features intimate portraits reflecting his deep yearning for family, offering a window into the emotional depth of his work.
To further enrich the visitor experience, the exhibition is accompanied by a range of special programs, including the docent tour, lectures and hands-on workshops, allowing audiences to engage more deeply with Lee’s artistic world and the historical context of his creations.
The exhibition is open to the public at the Cultural Center’s special gallery on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with no admission fee. The venue is closed on weekends and public holidays.
The Korean Cultural Center Australia is hosting its first exhibition of 2025, “Inflection – Following Polaris,” which runs until May 9. The exhibition features 12 distinguished artists from Korea and Australia.
The exhibition delves into pivotal moments that have shaped each artist’s creative journey, exploring how their cultural backgrounds and creative environments have influenced the participating artists’ bodies of work.
The lineup includes Korean artists Roy Subum Lee, Ko Kyoung Ho, Geum Joong-gi, Koh Bongsoo, Moon Sang-wook, Lim Anna and Lee Jeoung Hee, alongside Australian artists Carolyn Craig, Damian Dillon, David Manley and Geoff Kleem. Through this cross-cultural exchange, audiences are invited to engage with the narratives woven into each work, gaining a deeper appreciation of the artistic trajectories that have shaped these creators.
The exhibition showcases a diverse array of mediums, including photography, sculpture and installation, highlighting both interdisciplinary approaches and specialized artistic practices. While some artists experiment with multiple forms, others focus exclusively on a single discipline, such as architecture, sculpture or photography, bringing depth and nuance to the showcase. “Inflection – Following Polaris” offers a compelling and immersive experience, enriched by its dynamic range of artistic expressions.
A special Artist Floor Talk program is set for Apr. 5. The exhibition is open to the public with no admission fee and takes place at the exhibition hall of the Korean Cultural Center Australia in Sydney, with visiting hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays. Further details about the exhibition and participating artists can be found on the Center’s official website.
