Up Close with a Faraway Land: Review of "The Land The People: Contemporary Korean Prints" in the University Library Gallery in CSU Sacramento, California

In a world of boundless culture, the average person has little time and luxury to view all the wonder and beauty that is out there. With the exception of those who are truly isolated, people generally know that the things they see in their everyday lives are but a fragment of the diverse cultures in existence. As a California native, I possess first-hand experience about living the lifestyle that makes the American west coast notable. I know how the state's historical origins have come to shape its contemporary landscape. I cannot, however, say the same about the cultures and people from the other side of the globe (at least not from my perspective). Sure one can find out anything they need to know about the world from books and online research, but it is just not the same as being face to face with the marvels of the outside world. There exists an almost necessary need to either go out and explore these marvels, or somehow find a way to let them come to you. Fortunately for me, the advantages of college life provided me with a convenient gateway of experiencing the foreign arts and customs of the people of South Korea, through the University Library Gallery at CSU Sacramento. 

Sparkling Eyes

by Lee Yun Yop

1 of an installation of woodcuts

With the intent of presenting students with "top level museum quality displays", Sac State does an excellent job of creating a professional atmosphere around the University Library Gallery. Walking in, students can appreciate the connection made between the literary and visual arts that one would expect of a library. The gallery, of course, takes that expectation and surpasses it through an emphasis on the visual works in their own space. 

Prayer 2, Prayer 4, Prayer 1, and Prayer 3

by Sue Sang Hwan

woodcuts

The woodcuts are carved out, inked, and applied to the paper; 

the complexity of the images is really something to marvel at.

Prayer 1

by Suh Sang Hwan

woodcut

For the spring semester of 2014, the Library Gallery has opted to emphasize the unique works of art originating from South Korean artists in "The Land The People: Contemporary Korean Prints." For anyone wanting a glimpse into Korean culture, this exhibition presents a great opportunity for viewing it through the eyes of the artists in show: An Jeong Min, Chung Sang Gon, Jung Won Chul, Kim Eok, Kim Joon Kwon, Lee Sang Guk, Lee Yun Yop, Ryu Yeun Bok, Suh Sang Hwan, and Yoon Yeo Geul. The gallery's mission: to display "techniques ranging from traditional woodcut, to linocut, experimental silicon casting, and digital processes" in a manner that reveals "the distinctive characteristics of Korean printmaking."

Gumgang Mountain

by Ryu Yeun Bok

series of 12 woodcuts

A great representation of the geography of Korea.

As the title of the show indicates, the artists place focus on the geographic qualities of the land and the native people who have built their lives on it. With regard to the land, no medium better captures the scenery the way printmaking does. The indentations on the paper create a texturized look that matches the terrain and buildings of the subject. Mountains pop out more. Rivers flow through the paper. Cities look as busy as they really are. The dimensionality of the prints create a better interpretation of the Korean landscape for the viewer than would a flat, photographic image. 

Gumgang Mountain

by Ryu Yeun Bok

1 of series of 12 woodcuts

The printing technique really makes 

the mountains pop out of the Korean mist.

Namhan River-Dangyang

by Kim Eok

woodcut

Every line is precisely carved to give 

texture to this detailed composition

The range of themes presented through the artists' portraits of Korean people adds necessary context to the land images. Some artists like Suh Sang Hwan take a spiritual route of the past, while others like Lee Yun Yop visit the modern political issues of the nation. The prints are either complex and metaphorical forms or simple and true to life to their subjects. 

Memory

by Suh Sang Hwan

woodcut

Religious print; the dazed look on the larger 

figure encompasses the complex workings of the inner mind.   

Sparkling Eyes

by Lee Yun Yop

installation of woodcuts

Lee created this political wall of woodcuts in 

support of demonstrations and activist activities.

Showing the political disparity existing in the country.

Face to Face

by Jung Won Chul

linocut printed on PVC sheet

Everyday faces of Koreans; the unity of the figures is emphasized 

by having them face to face instead of simply next to each other.

For whatever subject matter each artist has chosen, they all come together in a way that lets the viewer know that this show is about more than the images on the wall. They share the common Korean printmaking technique stemming from the culture they represent. The technique adds authenticity to their work as a culturally expressive collection of art. If I were to never step foot on Korean land in my lifetime, I will still possess the experience of having come across the beauty of their history and society. For those wanting a similar experience of faraway culture, "The Land The People" in the University Library Gallery is a must see exhibition. 

University Library Gallery
Located in CSU Sacramento
Hours:
10 AM to 5PM Tuesday through Saturday

Currently Showing:
"The Land The People: Contemporary Korean Prints"
Feb 6 through May 17, 2014