The Korean Cultural Centre Australia has partnered with the Korean Film Archive to present a comprehensive exhibition showcasing the artistic excellence of Korean cinema's production design. The exhibition, titled "PRODUCTION DESIGN: SCENE ARCHITECTS BUILD ON-SCREEN WORLDS," runs from August 14 through October 31 at the Centre's gallery space.
The exhibition highlights the work of three internationally acclaimed Korean production designers who have shaped the visual landscape of contemporary Korean cinema. Featured designers include Ryu Seong-hee, known for her stunning work on "The Handmaiden," Jo Hwa-sung, who created the spectacular sets for "Hansan: Rising Dragon," and Han Ah-reum, the creative mind behind the visual design of "Kill Boksoon." Each designer brings a unique artistic vision that has contributed to the global recognition of Korean filmmaking.
Visitors to the exhibition will have access to an extensive collection of rare production materials that offer unprecedented insight into the filmmaking process. The display includes original set blueprints, detailed concept sketches, and comprehensive mood boards that reveal the meticulous planning and creative thinking behind some of Korean cinema's most iconic scenes. These materials demonstrate how production designers transform initial ideas into fully realized on-screen worlds that support and enhance storytelling.
The exhibition emphasizes the crucial role that production design plays in shaping a film's emotional impact and narrative strength. Through carefully curated displays, audiences can explore how visual elements such as color palettes, architectural choices, and spatial arrangements work together to create atmospheric depth and psychological resonance in Korean films. The show illustrates how these behind-the-scenes artists function as true architects of cinematic experience.
As part of the exhibition's public programming, a special screening event will take place at the prestigious Art Gallery of New South Wales on August 16. The evening will feature a screening of "The Handmaiden" followed by a live conversation with production designer Ryu Seong-hee, offering audiences a rare opportunity to gain firsthand insights from one of Korea's most celebrated film artists. This interactive component allows visitors to deepen their understanding of the creative processes behind award-winning Korean cinema.
The exhibition serves multiple cultural objectives, primarily highlighting the significant storytelling role that design plays in contemporary cinema while fostering meaningful cultural exchange between Korea and Australia. This initiative aligns perfectly with the broader goals of the Touring K-Arts program, which aims to promote Korean artistic excellence and cultural understanding through international collaborations and exhibitions that bring Korean creative works to global audiences.
