The Embassy of South Korea through the Korean Cultural Centre in Nigeria and Nike Art Gallery displayed colours, talents and fashion at the Hanbok exhibition.
The event with the theme “Hanbok Reborn as Art” was jointly organised by KCCN and Nike Art Gallery.
Guests were entertained to fashion parade with models in colourful Korean hanbok and handmade wears from Nike Art Gallery.
In his speech, the Ambassador of South Korea to Nigeria, Mr KIM Pankyu, explained that concept of “HANBOK REBORN AS ART’ evolves from the basic and crucial foundation of Korean tradition and heritage.
“The earliest origins of the hanbok can be traced back to the late three kingdoms period of Korea; we know how and just as many other aspects in our culture and society, it evolves, but it is not lost.
“As the hanbok embodies the Korean people’s history, culture, tradition, belief system and nation, it has adopted various forms in response to modern times.
“And this is what the gifted Korean 11 artists have tried to achieve through their work here.
“All the way in Korea, these Modern artists have explored Korean identity using elements of the Hanbok- using shapes, colours and more to create art work for the global world.
“We hope that you not only experience the novelty and creativity of these artists, but that you also witness the uniqueness of the hanbok,” Pankyu said.
Meanwhile, in her address of welcome, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Nike Art Gallery, Chief Dr Nike Davies-Okundaye appreciated Pankyu for the partnership of sharing Korean and Nigerian culture.
She narrated how she was given the opportunity to visit South Korea where she visited and admired their museum.
“Everything is South Korea is Art, even the food is art, so for them to come to Nigeria, I would love to make sure that the media publicise it.
“We get this opportunity once in a year to share our culture with other countries. For South Korea to come with the Art, I would like all Artists in Nigeria to come and see this beautiful works; these are all hand painted.
“I am grateful to the South Korean Ambassador and all the people of South Korea for making this event possible in Abuja, Nigeria.
“I also thank all the curators, artists and others who made this partnership a reality,” Davies Davies-Okundaye said.
The Korean Curator, Han Sang-ik, said because of the love that people have for Korean Museums, they decided to participate in the exhibition.
Sang-ik, who took dignatories and guests round the various arts said the works of 11 Korean artists with different talents were exhibited in the event.
“We have 11 artists who exhibited their artworks, their artworks are unique because it is a contemporary art that explores Korean identity and culture”.
“The artists whose artworks were exhibited include, Yang Dae Won, Jung Hai Yun, Lee Hoo Chang, Jung Myoung Jo, Kwon Ki Soo and Lee Don Ah
“Others were, Lee Soo In, Nam Kyung Min, Kim Si Hyun and Jung Hai Yun,” Sang-ik
THE PRECIOUS MESSAGE BY KIM SI HYUN
Prejudice By Jung Hai Yun
He appreciated Davies-Okundaye and the Korean Ambassador for such collaboration.
Meanwhile, Miss Yunjin Lee, the Event Manager at KCCN said the event focused on ‘Hanbok’, adding that it brought the wortks of 11 artists from the Savina Museum of Korea.
“When we were collecting the artworks for this exhibition, we focused on the vivid colours, because it is equivalent to vivid colours of costumes in Nigeria.
” However, it is a traditional thing that we in Korea need to continue our tradition, and I can see a lot similarities in Nigeria as well,” Lee said.
The exhibition which officially commenced on May 9, 2025 is expected to end on May 31, 2025
HammerTimes News Online reports that the event attracted the diplomatic community and other relevant stakeholders.
