Fashion Meets Art In ‘Hanbok, Reimagined As Art’ Exhibition

In the exhibition, ‘Hanbok, Reimagined as Art’ Fashion meets arts to present a fresh, innovative and contemporised version of centuries old fabric.

As the official traditional clothing of Koreans, the Hanbok dates back to the great three kingdoms eras of Korea, and has evolved in shape, design and function through time. In recent times, Korean fashion designers have brought the Hanbok to the limelight by lending a contemporary take to the traditional fabric design.

However, as art is always at the forefront of innovative movements ‘Hanbok, Reimagined as Art’ is exploring new artistic values, and the possibilities that abound at the intersection of tradition and modernity.

Hence, eleven artistes – Kwon Ki Soo, Kim Si Hyun, Nam Kyung Nim, Lee Don Ah, Yang Dae Won, Lee Bong Lee, Lee Soo In, Jung Hai Yun, Jung Myoung Jo, Lee Joong Keun, and Lee Hoo Chang via a variety of art media – gold leaf, oil and acrylic paint on canvas, textile (linen, silk, satin), Hanji (Korean paper), photography, and glass – reimagine elements of the Hanbok (its colours, shapes, history), employing the language of contemporary art to breathe new life into these motifs.

“The hanbok Hanbok embodies the Korean peoples’ history, culture and tradition. It has adopted various forms in response to the times, and that is what these eleven artistes have tried to achieve through their works.

“In Korea, many artistes have explored their identity using the elements of Hanbok to create artworks for global consumption. We hope that you not only experience the warmth and creativity of these artistes but also witness the uniqueness of the Hanbok, said Korean Ambassador to Nigeria.

While K-drama holds much of the draw to Korean culture and revenue to the Korean economy, Exhibition curator, Han Sang-ik of the Savina Museum of Contemporary Art, said such an exhibition aims at introducing other aspects of Korean culture, like the Hanbok, to a global audience interested in contemporary art.

Likewise, it plays a crucial role in conveying the value of culture to future generations and in promoting Korea’s cultural heritage on the global stage.

Beyond these, exhibitions as ‘Hanbok, Reimagined as Art’ Sang-ik said promote cultural exchanges with other countries.

“We (Savina Museum) hope that Nigerian artistes will come to host such textile exhibition with our museum in Korea. We are very keen on opportunities for cultural opportunities”.

Stressing the importance of partnership, Nike Okundaye-Davies (fondly called Mama Nike) urged African and other foreign missions to partner with the gallery in showcasing their national textile and arts.

“The closest thing to your skin is your textile. I am impressed with the way Korea presents everything about the country as art, from its museums to its clothing, even its cuisines.

“To ship 13 artworks all the way from Korea is worth commending. I thank the Korean Embassy and all who made this event possible. Art is the next oil in Nigeria. I urge Nigerian artistes to come and see these beautiful works”.

Curated by the Savina Museum of Contemporary Art, ‘Hanbok, Reimagined As Art’ is organized by the Korea Culture Center Nigeria (KCCN), with the local support of Nike Art Gallery, Nigeria, and hosted by the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchanges. It is sponsored by the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.