ID :
58230
Thu, 04/30/2009 - 06:57
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/58230
The shortlink copeid
U.S. envoy's art selection highlights Korean-American connections
SEOUL, April 29 (Yonhap) -- From moon-shaped jars to traditional Korean dresses for paper dolls, every piece of art in the U.S. ambassador's residence in downtown Seoul screams Korea. But Amb. Kathleen Stephens says they're also "very
American."
"One of the main aspects in choosing the art was many changes in the Korea-U.S.
relationship," Stephens told a press gathering at the residence, also known as
the Habib House, Wednesday. "We are calling the collection 'Korean-American
connections.'"
After being confirmed as the top U.S. diplomat here in April last year, Stephens
went to New York to search for works by Korean-American artists to decorate her
new home. Galleries told her there were over 8,000 artists with Korean roots in
the city alone, making the selection process overwhelming.
After almost a year, Stephens finally put together a collection of pieces by 15
Korean-Americans and a Chinese-American, all of whom she described as "quite
young and contemporary."
The paintings and installations, borrowed from the artists and galleries and
transported and insured by the U.S. government, will remain in the Habib House
until the end of the incumbent ambassador's term. Her collection is also a part
of the ART in Embassies Program -- exhibitions of American art in some 180 U.S.
diplomatic residences worldwide -- established by the U.S. Department of State in
1964.
"I based my choice on first impression and size, and whether it would suit the
house," she said, ushering journalists around as she explained each of them. "It
seems talking about art is much more difficult than the six-party talks."
Among the pieces displayed, the late video artist Paik Nam-june is the only 20th
century artist. His installation "Smashed Violin (2000)" is the most valuable
piece decorating the house, but Stephens called all the artworks "priceless."
"These works are here purely by the generosity of the artists and galleries
agreeing to loan them. I'm very grateful," she said.
The envoy picked Kang Ik-joong's "Moon Jar (2008)" as her favorite. Because Paik
had been a mentor for the Korean-American artist, Stephens displayed their works
together in one room.
Photographs by Nikki S. Lee were recommended by the ambassador's nephew.
"I had never heard of her before, but she is already quite famous in the United
States," she said. "It was interesting how she works by placing herself in the
photographs after getting used to the environment."
An oil painting by Sim Dae-hyuk was chosen after the ambassador met the artist in
Insadong, a core venue of art galleries and dealers in Seoul, though she
regretfully admitted she hasn't had the opportunity to meet all the artists in
person.
"I am hoping all these artists will be able to visit Korea during the
exhibition," she said. "I hope this will encourage continued cross-cultural
enrichment and creativity for all those American artists who look to their Korean
roots and their American experiences for inspiration and sustenance."
hayney@yna.co.kr
(END)
American."
"One of the main aspects in choosing the art was many changes in the Korea-U.S.
relationship," Stephens told a press gathering at the residence, also known as
the Habib House, Wednesday. "We are calling the collection 'Korean-American
connections.'"
After being confirmed as the top U.S. diplomat here in April last year, Stephens
went to New York to search for works by Korean-American artists to decorate her
new home. Galleries told her there were over 8,000 artists with Korean roots in
the city alone, making the selection process overwhelming.
After almost a year, Stephens finally put together a collection of pieces by 15
Korean-Americans and a Chinese-American, all of whom she described as "quite
young and contemporary."
The paintings and installations, borrowed from the artists and galleries and
transported and insured by the U.S. government, will remain in the Habib House
until the end of the incumbent ambassador's term. Her collection is also a part
of the ART in Embassies Program -- exhibitions of American art in some 180 U.S.
diplomatic residences worldwide -- established by the U.S. Department of State in
1964.
"I based my choice on first impression and size, and whether it would suit the
house," she said, ushering journalists around as she explained each of them. "It
seems talking about art is much more difficult than the six-party talks."
Among the pieces displayed, the late video artist Paik Nam-june is the only 20th
century artist. His installation "Smashed Violin (2000)" is the most valuable
piece decorating the house, but Stephens called all the artworks "priceless."
"These works are here purely by the generosity of the artists and galleries
agreeing to loan them. I'm very grateful," she said.
The envoy picked Kang Ik-joong's "Moon Jar (2008)" as her favorite. Because Paik
had been a mentor for the Korean-American artist, Stephens displayed their works
together in one room.
Photographs by Nikki S. Lee were recommended by the ambassador's nephew.
"I had never heard of her before, but she is already quite famous in the United
States," she said. "It was interesting how she works by placing herself in the
photographs after getting used to the environment."
An oil painting by Sim Dae-hyuk was chosen after the ambassador met the artist in
Insadong, a core venue of art galleries and dealers in Seoul, though she
regretfully admitted she hasn't had the opportunity to meet all the artists in
person.
"I am hoping all these artists will be able to visit Korea during the
exhibition," she said. "I hope this will encourage continued cross-cultural
enrichment and creativity for all those American artists who look to their Korean
roots and their American experiences for inspiration and sustenance."
hayney@yna.co.kr
(END)
