The Korean Cultural Center in Turkey organized a special joint art exhibition titled "Embracing the Light" on August 15th to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule. The exhibition took place at the Ahmet Göğüş Art Gallery of Hacettepe University in Ankara, bringing together artists from both nations to celebrate this historic milestone through artistic expression.
The collaborative exhibition was co-hosted by the Korean Cultural Center Turkey, the Gosong Cultural Foundation, and the Faculty of Fine Arts at Hacettepe University. A total of 80 artists participated in the showcase, with equal representation from both countries - 40 Korean artists and 40 Turkish artists. All participating artists presented works that conveyed their personal interpretations and emotions centered around the theme of light, symbolizing hope, freedom, and liberation.
Adding a unique cultural dimension to the exhibition, the Gılggot group, composed of graduates from the Korean Cultural Center's calligraphy classes, joined as guest artists. These artists prepared special works that incorporated minhwa, traditional Korean folk paintings, while maintaining the central theme of light. The exhibition also featured works by renowned senior artist Professor Kim Hongja, whose pieces are part of prestigious collections including the Seoul Museum of Craft Art, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Korea, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in the United Kingdom.
The opening ceremony featured distinguished speakers who emphasized the cultural significance of the collaboration. Jeong Yeondoo, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Turkey, delivered the welcoming address, followed by remarks from Ko Seosook, Chair of the Gosong Cultural Foundation. Professor Kim Hongja, recognized as a master of metal art, and Nadire Şule Atılgan, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts at Hacettepe University, also addressed the gathered audience, highlighting the importance of cultural exchange between the two nations.
The ceremony included a spectacular traditional Korean performance that captivated attendees. Choreographed by Artistic Director Yang Seungmi and performed by members of the Hamgyeong Province Geommu Preservation Society, the cultural presentation began with Taepyeongmu, a traditional Korean dance that symbolizes prayers for peace and national prosperity. The performance continued with five dancers creating a visual representation of the Taegeukgi, Korea's national flag, using flowing red and blue cloths while moving to the beloved melodies of Arirang and the Korean national anthem.
The exhibition transcended a simple art showcase, serving as a meaningful platform for reflecting on Korea's liberation while celebrating the enduring friendship and cultural solidarity between Korea and Turkey. Korean artist Badboss from the Gosong Cultural Foundation contributed powerful works that honored Korea's independence movement, including pieces from his "Ahn Changho and Yu Gwansun Series," which highlighted the noble spirit and sacrifices of Korea's proud independence activists. Another Korean participant, artist Kim Gilnam, presented his artwork titled "Waves," which paid tribute to the Korean people who dedicated their lives to the independence struggle, with the piece expressing the symbolic fluttering of the Korean national flag.
The exhibition received overwhelmingly positive responses from both participating artists and visitors, demonstrating the successful cultural bridge created between the two nations. More than 500 attendees visited the exhibition, reflecting the strong public interest in Korean-Turkish cultural collaboration and the historical significance of Korea's liberation anniversary. The event successfully achieved its goal of fostering deeper cultural understanding and artistic exchange between Korea and Turkey through the universal language of art.
