The New Year has just begun. This year is the Year of Black Dragon, which governs the mysteries of wind and cloud. Hakgojae Gallery is delighted to announce “Nanjuk (Orchid and Bamboo paintings) of GIM Eungwon and GIM Gyujin” as the first opening exhibition of this year.
GIM Eungwon(Soho, 小湖 金應元, 1855-1921) was excellent in writing yeseoangular style of writing and haengseosemi-cursive style of writing. He was a follower of Seokparan of Heungseon-daewongun, but also created his own style, Sohoran, which opened a new chapter of Mukran orchid paintings. GIM GyujinHaegang,(海岡 金圭鎭, 1868-1933) developed and prospered new artistic style in Mukjuk(Bamboo paintings) in Joseon Dynasty. He also established Calligraphy Society in 1915 and was highly influential in development of Korean modern art. Nevertheless, both Soho and Haegang hardly have been spotlighted in art history before. Hakgojae Gallery is trying to find new materials of them and highlight them continuously. This exhibition is the first step.
Orchid spreads its scent in the deep forest although there is no one’s attention. It reflects life of Junzi(Nobleman) who cultivates himself morally in difficult circumstances; so it was loved by Seonbi for a long time. With its evergreen leaves, the virtue of bamboo shines more than any other times of the year; as we are facing very cold weather today. Bamboo implies peace and stability, and it was regarded to bring peace to one’s family. With Nanjuk exhibition at Hakgojae Gallery, may the New Year lead your life fragrant as orchid scent and peaceful as the wind bamboo creates.
