Korean Modern and Contemporary Art I & II: A century of art unfolds

A rare opportunity to explore 100 years of Korean art. The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is now showcasing two exhibitions that show the nation's artistic journey from the early 1900s to the 1990s.

Byeon Ye-young tells us more.

100 years of modern and contemporary Korean art ---now in one place.

The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Gwacheon is offering a rare panoramic look at a century of Korean art in an exhibition so large that the museum has separated it into two parts: Korean Modern and Contemporary Art I and II.

Part I covers the early 20th century, a period marked by Korea's rapid modernization, colonial occupation, and national division.

Part II picks up after the Korean War and traces the evolution of Korean art through postwar reconstruction, industrialization, and democratization.

Togther, they feature more than 250 key works by over 100 artists, offering a rare panoramic look at a century of Korean art.

Visitors say the opportunity to view both exhibitions together is a rewarding experience.

"I've been waiting for Part 2 because I love modern and contemporary art. I actually saw Part I of the exhibition before, and I really liked how it was divided by time period. It made things easy to follow.

Personally, I love the transition from figurative to abstract art during this era, so it was great to see works by artists like Yoo Young-kuk and Lee Ung-no all in one place."

Both exhibitions have sections called "The Artists' Rooms," dedicated to showcasing works by renowned artists such as Kim Whanki and Yun Hyong-keun.

Another highlight is a section that re-examines underrecognized figures.

"This section focuses on female modernist artists.

These women weren't tied to major art groups or ideologies, but rather, they explored their own unique styles.

Their works add a rich new layer to the male-dominated history of Korean abstract art."

The exhibition closes with the debut of Sternbau No. 23 (2009), a major installation by contemporary artist Lee Bul.

Suspended in air with steel, mirror, and film components, the futuristic piece explores themes of technology, the human body, and utopia.

"There's growing interest in Korean culture both at home and abroad, but not many chances to explore the history of Korean art.

We hope this exhibition gives visitors a clear, step-by-step look at how Korean art has evolved over the past century."

By presenting Parts I and II side by side, MMCA Gwacheon allows visitors to follow a full arc of Korea's modern artistic transformation, from the days of colonization to modern global expression.

The museum says it plans to keep the dual exhibitions running for at least two years.

Byeon Ye-young, Arirang News.