Gold Crown, Silla, excavated from Noseo-dong, Gyeongju, Height 24 cm, Treasure n° 338, National Museum of Korea.
Heavenly King of the West, Joseon, 19th century, 318,0 x 202,5 cm, National Museum of Korea. |
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Centre for Fine Arts
10, rue Royale Koningsstraat 10
02 507 82 00
Brussels
The Smile of Buddha. 1600 Years of Buddhist Art in Korea
October 10, 2008-January 18, 2009
As part of the Korea Festival, the Centre for Fine Arts is showing masterpieces of Buddhist art from the history of Korea. For more than 1,600 years Buddhism has played an important role in Korean society. When it arrived in Korea, Buddhism was strongly influenced by native religions; the teachings of Buddha also formed the country's most important bond with neighbouring China and Japan. Countless works of art and everyday objects bear witness to the influence of Buddhism. Buddhist motifs and images have been widespread since the fifth century. Among treasures on display are a number of “national treasures” from the National Museum in Seoul, including the gilded bronze Maitreya figure from the early seventhth century, and a selection of grand paintings of the Goryeo period.
Exhibition curator is Jan Van Alphen. Scenographer is Lee Preedy.
Through its geographic location between China and Japan, Korea served as an intermediary of culture, economy and religion between both countries. Thus in the fourth century Buddhism arrived via China in Korea, where it was influenced by native shamanistic religions. Later these Korean Buddhist teachings had an impact on Japan.
Although Korea had a lot of exchange with its neighbouring countries, it developed its own culture. Buddhism occupies a central position in Korean society: numerous works of art and daily appliances give evidence of Buddhist influence. Korean sculptures, paintings, ceramics and architecture, inspired by Buddhism, have specific and unique characteristics.
The exhibition is structured chronologically and spans the period form the fifth century to the 20th century. The Smile of Buddha contains some of the most refined and richest art treasures Korea has produced: Buddha and Bodhisattva depictions out of different materials (bronze, gilt bronze, iron and stone) and in several formats (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 original content, bronze temple bells and ritual objects, Buddhist writings (Sutras), national treasures from the National Museum of Seoul, a selection of Koryo-period paintings, a golden crown and golden belt from the 6th century out of royal tombs…
The exhibition ends with extraordinary pencil drawings by the contemporary “Maestro of Korean Art” Park Dae-Sung.
Next to The Smile of Buddha, the main exhibition of the Korea Festival, is an exhibition of 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. |
