A major art exhibition commemorating the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule has opened at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea (MMCA) in Seoul. "Landscapes of Homeland and Longing" features approximately 210 paintings, sculptures, and photographs by 85 contemporary Korean artists, exploring themes of national identity, loss, and rediscovery through landscape art spanning from the Japanese colonial period (1910-1945) to the present day.
The exhibition, which launched on August 14 at the MMCA's Seoul branch located within Deoksugung Palace in Jung-gu District, presents a comprehensive visual narrative of Korea's modern history through artistic interpretation. The artworks reflect on the profound meaning of national territory through landscape paintings, specifically addressing the loss of sovereignty following Japanese annexation, the subsequent rediscovery of national identity, territorial separation and division caused by the Korean War, survival amid destruction, and hope for national reconstruction.
The featured landscapes represent diverse regions across South Korea, including scenic areas from Tongyeong in Gyeongsangnam-do Province, Sinan-gun County in Jeollanam-do Province, Hongseong-gun County in Chungcheongnam-do Province, and Uljin-gun County in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. These geographical representations serve as powerful symbols of Korean heritage and cultural continuity despite historical upheavals.
Among the notable works making their public debut is an untitled 1954 painting by Kim Won (1912-1994), which lyrically captures the peaceful atmosphere of the post-Korean War era through a riverside scene bathed in sunset light. Kim Won, who studied in Japan before returning to Korea to work as an art teacher in the North Korean cities of Hamheung in Hamgyeongnam-do Province and Pyeongyang, eventually moved to Seoul in 1947, bringing with him artistic perspectives shaped by his diverse experiences across the divided peninsula.
Another significant piece featured in the exhibition is "Nostalgia" by Park Sunghwan (1919-2001), which has been selected for the exhibition poster. This compelling work employs bold colors, rich texture, and asymmetrical composition to depict a woman carrying a traditional jar within a vertical structural framework. The painting's folkloric imagery is enhanced by deep symbolism and emotional resonance, representing the enduring connection between Korean people and their cultural roots.
The exhibition showcases works that have been carefully preserved over decades, including pieces stored in art museums, maintained by private collectors, and kept within the homes of artists' families. This comprehensive collection represents various time periods and locations, offering visitors a chronological journey through Korea's artistic evolution and the changing perspectives on homeland and identity.
MMCA Director Kim Sunghee emphasized the exhibition's significance, stating, "We hope that this exhibition truly captures the perspectives of artists who depicted their eras and their homeland." The director highlighted how the selected artworks demonstrate the unique aesthetic approaches of different historical periods while maintaining a consistent focus on Korean identity and territorial connection.
"Landscapes of Homeland and Longing" will continue through November 9, providing an extended opportunity for visitors to engage with this important cultural retrospective. Admission to the exhibition costs 2,000 Korean won in addition to the 1,000 won entrance fee required for Deoksugung Palace, as the museum is housed within the historic palace grounds.
The MMCA Seoul branch, established in 1998 in the west wing of Seokjojeon Hall at Deoksugung Palace, offers convenient access for cultural tourists. The museum's strategic location places it near other major Seoul attractions, including the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, Jeongdong Park, Seoul Museum of Art, and the bustling Namdaemun Market. Visitors can easily reach the museum via Exit 1 at City Hall Station, which serves both Subway Lines 1 and 2, making it highly accessible for both domestic and international art enthusiasts seeking to understand Korea's complex historical and cultural narrative through artistic expression.
