A Heartfelt Pop-Up: Supporting Artists with Disabilities
October 17 (Fri) - October 22 (Wed)
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Today, I want to introduce a very meaningful pop-up store where all sales proceeds go to artists with disabilities.
The title of this event, '25 CANVAS,' stands for 'Create A New Visual Art Sector.'
In simple terms, it's an art fair for everyone, both with and without disabilities.
It signifies the beginning of realizing social inclusion and coexistence through art.
There didn't seem to be a set route, so I explored the artworks as I felt led.
Notably, this exhibition features a barrier-free environment.
There are no major steps or obstacles, making it accessible for children, people with disabilities, and the elderly.
This makes it a great place to visit and create memories with your family!
Living my busy life, it's been a long time since I've seen art pieces or attended an art fair like this.
Considering the care and energy put into each piece, I felt a sense of healing.
This exhibition features 80 artists in total, 30 established and 50 emerging!
Beyond a simple exhibition, it aims to support the sustainable independence and expand the creative foundation of artists with disabilities through the sale of artworks.
This event isn't just happening here.
An exhibition is also taking place on the 1st floor of THISABLED's headquarters (Mapo-gu),
Offering even better accessibility, allowing you to choose your preferred location for a unique date!
Here and there, bouquets of flowers were placed beneath the artworks.
I believe these are expressions of support from family and friends.
I visited on the first day of the exhibition and only saw bouquets by a few pieces, but I imagine there will be even more displays of support as it goes on.
The exhibition doesn't stop there!
It boasts a rich program that includes collaborative works with celebrities, media art, NFT-linked exhibitions, and artist-collector exchange programs.
The collaborative works are created by teams consisting of artists with developmental disabilities and celebrities.
Celebrities participating include actors Jung Il-woo and Moon Ji-in, singer Bae Da-hae, Peppertones' Lee Jang-won, and comedians Kim Giri, Jung Tae-ho, Chae Hyo-ryung, and Kim Young-hee.
While looking around, I came across the 'Artists Just Starting to Take Off' section.
It seems to be a collection of works by the emerging artists I mentioned earlier!
After this fulfilling and meaningful experience, I even received a commemorative gift.
I can't wait to go home and check out the contents!
THISABLED, the organizer of this event, is a social venture company that began with a simple change in the word 'Disabled,' signifying disability.
They also run a YouTube channel where you can enjoy stories that humorously address disability.
The gift set includes a towel, a mug, and a hand mirror!
The towel features embroidery of a piece by artist Park Hye-shin.
It has a beautiful, classic Western style!
It's so pretty that I might be too afraid to use it for fear of staining it.
The accompanying paper introduces the various services offered by THISABLED.
A brand pioneering a new service in Korea as an agency for artists with developmental disabilities!
If you're looking for a unique date spot in Seongsu, I highly recommend this exhibition.
No comments yet.
