Budapest KCC hosted an evening guided tour featuring Korean contemporary artist’s embroidery inspired by royal traditions
The special guided tour fell on the night of the summer solstice and forms a part of the longstanding Night of Museums event in Hungary. The guests explored Lee Jungsook’s embroidery by admiring pieces depicting the symbols of longevity, bojagi wrapping clothes, noblemen’s rank badges and female royal wedding ceremony attires. Our cultural time travel experience to the Joseon era reached new heights thanks to the performance of the Nawoul Korean traditional dance group.
It is by no means an exaggeration to say that the Night of Museums is my favourite event. As a Korean culture enthusiast, this is the third year I have returned to KCC in the summer heat to report about their evening tour. However, I am not alone. My sister is here helping me as a photographer, which makes me truly thrilled about this project.
Arriving at the building, we have found a huge crowd: people are waiting patiently to join the event. They are eager to explore KCC which is located in Buda, the historic centre of the Hungarian capital. While most of them are heading to the 1st floor to join the guided tour and try on hanbok, some are joining artisan and calligraphy workshops on the 2nd floor.
The event starts at 18:00 sharp and our tour begins to discover Korean embroidery through the work of Lee Jungsook, which is a reinterpretation of Joseon dynasty court embroidery. “Lee’s work combines abstract forms and Korean cultural traditions showing the importance of embroidery in contemporary art and the artist’s exceptional delicacy” (quoted from the exhibition brochure).
Literally, the biggest piece of the first room is a decorative screen with the ten symbols of longevity: the sun, mountains, water, pine tree, turtle, deer, crane, herbs, cloud and fish. The piece is rich in detail and gives an illusion of depth, a 3D-like quality. Its vivid green colours radiate through the room and attract viewers to go closer and inspect the detailed artwork. The view of the landscape and the unspoken but symbolised wish to live a long and healthy life immediately makes you feel connected to this piece. Perhaps we can get some hints on how to live a life like that. What may be awaiting us in the next room?
It features bojagi, that is Korean wrapping clothes. However, these pieces are not patchwork. They are made of one single piece of silk decorated with flower and animal motifs like peony symbolising wealth. According to Korean traditions, it is the act of wrapping itself which brings luck, protection and positive energy. The items protected in this manner were meant to be gifts or taken to another location. I can imagine myself receiving a present in this lucky charm. I could hardly get myself to unwrap this beauty.
The huge screen of the third room will be appreciated by those with an interest in history and protocol. The most memorable moments of a nobleman’s life are illustrated in this piece of art. It is extremely detailed and a masterpiece of visual storytelling. The screen is accompanied by rank badges with animal motifs such as tigers, turtles and cranes. The most beautiful golden dragon motif could only be used by the king himself. It is not meant for ordinary visitors like us.
The last section of the exhibition is like peeking into a royal wardrobe. Clothes like these were worn by the female members of the royal family at wedding ceremonies. The precious pieces are hung from the ceiling, so you can admire their full beauty by going around and examine their rich motifs up close. There are no bars, ropes or glass, only the intimacy of the ceremonial clothes. I don’t blame anyone for losing themselves here in the soft glow of golden threads.
The tour is followed by the performance of traditional musicians and dancers which fully completes our time travel to the Joseon era. Knowing some of the dancers personally, I am especially moved today by their graceful movements. It is mesmerising to watch them transform their inner strength into delicate choreography moving with striking elegance and flowing seamlessly with the rhythm.
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