“The Power and Pleasure of Possessions in Korean Painted Screens” will be on display at the Charles B. Wang Center Skylight Gallery from September 29 through December 23. This exhibition explores the genre of Korean still-life painting known as chaekgeori, one of the most enduring and prolific art forms of Korea’s Joseon dynasty (1392-1910). Chaekgeori emphasizes books and other material commodities as symbolic embodiments of knowledge, power and social reform.
Today, a diverse body of artists continues this tradition into the 21st century, coming together to examine modern Korean society and its social, cultural and political attitudes and ideals. Drawing on a long artistic lineage and making comparisons to the traditional form and objectives of chaekgeori with the works of contemporary artists — including Seongmin Ahn, Kyoungtack Hong, Patrick Hughes, Airan Kang and Stephanie S. Lee — this exhibition facilitates a better understanding of a still-changing Korean society, from the ascetic Confucian Joseon era to the hyper-materialistic culture of today.
All of the screens are on loan from both private collections and Korean national institutions, including the Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art; the Seoul Museum; the Korean Folk Village; the Chosun Minhwa Museum; and the Sungok Memorial Hall.
The exhibition is curated by Jinyoung Jin, Director of Cultural Programs, Charles B. Wang Center; Sooa Im McCormick, Assistant Curator of Asian Art, Cleveland Museum of Art; and Kris Imants Ercums, Curator of Global Contemporary and Asian Art, Spencer Museum of Art.
Admission is free and open to the public. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, September 29, at 5 pm in the Wang Center Skylight Gallery.
Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9 am to 8 pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 12 pm to 8 pm. If you have questions about gallery hours, please contact us.
Related Programs
Lecture
From Europe to Korea: The Marvelous Journey of Collectibles in Painting
Thursday, September 29, 11:30 am to 1 pm
Wang Center Theatre
Art Crawl
Curator’s Tour
Thursday, September 29, 4:30 pm to 5 pm
Wang Center Skylight Gallery
Workshop
Making My Own Book Bag with Korean Chaekgeori Painting
Fridays: October 7, 21, 28, 1 pm to 3 pm
Wang Center Chapel
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