International Woodblock Print Exhibition: NOW in NATURE & HISTORY
The International Woodblock Print Exhibition: NOW in NATURE & HISTORY at the Jincheon Municipal Saenggeo Print Museum is a unique opportunity to experience the essence of contemporary woodblock printing from Korea, China, and Japan all in one place. This exhibition is particularly significant as it marks the first international exhibition since the museum's opening in 2009. I visited the exhibition and would like to share my impressions.
The exhibition runs from March 12 to June 14, 2026, and with such a generous timeframe, I encourage you to visit during May or June.
Upon entering the exhibition hall, I was captivated by the special display featuring over 110 works from 21 prominent artists from the three countries. This exhibition allows viewers to compare the unique modern woodblock prints from Korea, China, and Japan, each with a long-standing tradition of woodblock printing.
The themes of 'Nature' and 'History' are explored through the intense lines and colors characteristic of printmaking, reflecting daily life and the spirit of the times in each country. The extreme precision that captures the texture of wood and the intuitive, raw vitality of the artworks showcase both traditional and modern techniques.
One standout piece in the center of the exhibition is Jeong Won-cheol's The Burden of the Past, depicting the faces of comfort women during the Japanese occupation and other marginalized figures in history. The overwhelming darkness surrounding the face visualizes the weight of their interrupted time and pain. Each deep wrinkle and contour carved into the wood serves as a poignant reminder of the painful history that must not be forgotten.
Moving to the adjacent exhibition space, the focus shifts to artworks that confront the wounds of history through the unique carving techniques of woodblock printing. Here, viewers are invited to reflect on themes of violence, destruction, and the noble sacrifices of individual resistance.
Lee Dong-hwan's Independence War Carved with a Knife serves as a key series in the 'History' section of the exhibition. It goes beyond merely depicting past events; it reinterprets history by maximizing the physical properties of the printmaking medium. By adhering to the traditional method of carving large wooden blocks, the resulting panoramic composition effectively conveys the tragic situations, anger, and resolute spirit of the time.
Yoo Gwan-soon’s works utilize traditional hanji or thin paper to highlight the texture of the prints. The portrayal of her figure emphasizes her inner nobility rather than the roughness of the wood. This contrast suggests an inner peace and determined will against the backdrop of war, leaving a profound impact on viewers.
The International Woodblock Print Exhibition at the Jincheon Municipal Saenggeo Print Museum transcends a mere collection of artworks; it is an overwhelming showcase of how the shared medium of 'wood' and the memory of 'history' have been transformed into art by the three East Asian countries. The pain and endurance faced by the artists, who carved wood with sharp knives, are embedded in every piece. If you have the chance, I highly recommend visiting the print museum during May or June to experience this remarkable exhibition.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/jincheongun/224293432065
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