Forty-Eight Traditional Artisans and Contemporary Artists Present Around 160 Works

The “K-Heritage Art Exhibition: Lines of Connection” will run from Sept. 1 to 6 around Nakseonjae in Changdeokgung Palace, Seoul. The exhibition places traditional crafts and contemporary artworks within the architecture of the UNESCO World Heritage site.

The K-Heritage Art Exhibition has been held at Nakseonjae since 2023. This year’s edition brings together 48 participants, including intangible heritage practitioners, traditional artisans and contemporary artists from Korea and abroad.

Approximately 160 works will be presented. The exhibition encompasses traditional crafts such as gold-leaf work, wooden furniture making, bamboo basketry and Tongyeong bamboo blinds, alongside painting, sculpture, installation and photography.

The traditional craft section focuses on material techniques and production processes. Works made from metal, wood, bamboo, textiles and ceramics will be installed across the indoor and outdoor areas of Nakseonjae.

Contemporary participants include Moonassi, Park Sun-min, Jung Kuho, Lee Myoung-ho, Jung Da-hye and Choi Ji-won. Their works reinterpret traditional materials and forms or extend them through contemporary media.

International artists Mircea Teleaga, Rosa Loy, Sophie von Hellermann and Zadie Xa are also included. Their works will be shown alongside Korean craft and contemporary art within the palace setting.

According to the organizers, the title “Lines of Connection” refers to links between tradition and the present, artisans and contemporary artists, and different materials and methods of expression.

The exhibition is hosted by the Korea Heritage Service. It is jointly organized by the Changdeokgung Palace Management Office of the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center, the Korea Heritage Cultural Foundation and Savers Korea, with support from Porsche.

Viewing hours are from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with final admission to Changdeokgung Palace at 5 p.m. The exhibition itself is free, but regular palace admission fees apply. Guided tours will be offered daily at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

[Sayart = Sharon Jung]