The Art Residency in Myeoncheon: A Journey of Discovery and Creation
Artists from across the country have gathered in Dangjin to uncover the hidden values of Myeoncheon and elevate them through art. The 'Myeoncheon Fortress Art Residency' has officially begun.
This project is hosted by the Cultural Heritage Administration and Dangjin City, and is organized by the Midam Cultural Content Institute, a company specializing in the utilization of national heritage and festival/exhibition planning.
In particular, leading up to the 'Myeoncheon Fortress Moonlight Night' festival exhibition on August 29-30, artists have immersed themselves in the space of Myeoncheon.
As a member of the Dangjin City social media supporters and one of the participating artists, I aim to document this exciting beginning of creativity.
1. 10:30 AM: A '360-Degree Tour' Following the Breath of History
The first official schedule of the residency began at 10:30 AM. It was a time to deeply understand the territory where we would stay and draw inspiration, specifically through the 'Myeoncheon Fortress 360-Degree Tour.' This tour lasted about an hour and served as a process of engraving the historical framework of Myeoncheon in our hearts.
Following the insightful explanations of guide Kim Yong-kwan, we walked along the fortress walls and witnessed the significance of Myeoncheon as a key defense point on the West Coast during the Joseon Dynasty. We enhanced our understanding of Myeoncheon by visiting its major spots and collecting stamps.
Taking a moment to catch our breath under a ginkgo tree that has withstood 1,100 years, we felt a surge of energy. Facing the stones of the fortress wall, inscribed with the names of the people, the artists' expressions became serious.
The highlight and final course of this tour was 'The Art Museum Inside Myeoncheon Fortress.' This museum, transformed from a former post office building, symbolized how the history of Myeoncheon could intersect with modern art. Here, artists observed the coexistence of Myeoncheon's old landscapes and artistic reinterpretations, seeking clues for their future works.
2. A Unique First Meal: Kongguksu at Kimga Myeonok
After the tour, the artists headed to Myeoncheon's famous place, 'Kimga Myeonok.' The menu featured refreshing and rich kongguksu, symbolizing the summer of Myeoncheon.
At this point, we still did not know who each other was or what genres of work we were involved in. As we sipped the creamy broth, conversations like 'This soup is really savory' and 'Is this the most famous place in Dangjin?' were exchanged.
Despite the awkward atmosphere among unfamiliar artists, simply sharing the humble yet profound flavors of Myeoncheon began to create invisible connections. Experiencing the local sentiment first through 'taste,' we were gradually becoming part of Myeoncheon.
3. Orientation at Myeoncheon Youth Communication Space: A Time to Show 'Me' and Become 'Us'
After the meal, the artists moved to the 'Myeoncheon Youth Communication Space' for a more in-depth communication session. The orientation held here marked the most crucial starting point of this residency.
Under the guidance of the Midam Cultural Content Institute, each artist shared their portfolios and introduced the direction of the projects they would undertake during the residency. The youth center was filled with the vibrant energy of diverse artists from across the country revealing their artistic worlds.
As we recognized each other's perspectives, exclamations like 'Ah, that artist sees the world in that way' and 'That technique has interesting intersections with my work' emerged. The moment we, who were strangers just hours before, confirmed each other's existence through the language of art and became colleagues was profound.
4. Two Weeks of Immersion and the Expansion Offered by 'Community Meetings'
This residency will take place over two weeks in dedicated accommodations where artists can fully focus on their creations, although it is not right next to the fortress. The true charm of this project lies not in the exhibition as a final product but in the intense 'process' over these two weeks.
During this time, artists will not only concentrate on individual work but will also share concerns through workshops and 'community meetings.' Since we have already reviewed each other's portfolios, the depth of our conversations is expected to deepen.
5. Invitation to Moonlight Art Filling Myeoncheon on August 29-30
All of these valuable processes will bear fruit at the upcoming 'Myeoncheon Fortress Moonlight Night' festival on August 29-30. The art residency booth exhibition set up during the festival will showcase the essence of inspiration that artists have gathered while walking on the soil of Myeoncheon for two weeks.
This exhibition is not merely a space to display works. It will continue beyond this project, leading to the moonlight night in 2026, and the network formed here will become a lasting connection linking Dangjin and Myeoncheon.
6. Concluding the Article
As a participating artist in this project, I am reminded through this residency that 'art is ultimately a passionate encounter between people and space.' Witnessing how diverse artists from all over the country create a beautiful harmony on the vast historical canvas of Myeoncheon is an inspiring experience.
Citizens, how about stepping into Myeoncheon Fortress on the last weekend of August? Come and see the record of the two weeks when artists fell in love with Myeoncheon and the exhibition born from that passion under the moonlight.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/dangjin2030/224366594690
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