The Korean Cultural Center in Brazil has opened a commemorative exhibition titled "História e Memória" (History and Memory) at its headquarters on Avenida Paulista, celebrating over a decade of cultural activities since its establishment in 2013. The special exhibition, which opened on September 13, has attracted diverse audiences and generated enthusiastic responses from visitors of all age groups.
The exhibition showcases an extensive collection of photographs, posters, and artworks that chronicle the center's most significant cultural initiatives throughout its 12-year history. The comprehensive display serves as a visual journey through the center's efforts to promote Korean culture and foster cross-cultural understanding between Korea and Brazil. Visitors can explore the evolution of the Korean Cultural Center's programming and witness the growth of Korean cultural influence in Brazilian society.
A centerpiece of the exhibition is the striking mural "Sobreviver" (Survive), a collaborative work between Brazilian artist Mundano and Korean artist Leodav. This powerful artwork, created using ashes from burned Brazilian forests, was originally presented at Parque Lage in Rio de Janeiro in 2024 during the G20 meeting. The inclusion of this piece highlights the center's commitment to addressing contemporary global issues through artistic collaboration.
The exhibition features documentation of several landmark projects that have defined the Korean Cultural Center's impact in Brazil. Among the highlighted initiatives are the memorable hanbok projection at Christ the Redeemer, which brought Korean traditional dress to one of Brazil's most iconic landmarks, and the traditional Jinju silk lantern exhibition that introduced Brazilian audiences to Korean artistic traditions. Individual exhibitions by renowned Korean artists such as Puuung and Jung Eun-hye are also prominently featured, demonstrating the center's role in promoting Korean contemporary art.
Visitor response to the exhibition has been overwhelmingly positive, with attendees expressing deep appreciation for the Korean Cultural Center's contributions to Brazilian cultural life. One visitor captured the sentiment of many when they stated, "I believe it is thanks to efforts like those of the Korean Cultural Center that Korean culture and the Korean Wave have been able to grow in influence today." This feedback reflects the center's success in making Korean culture an integral part of the Brazilian cultural landscape.
The "História e Memória" exhibition serves as both a celebration and reinforcement of the Korean Cultural Center's mission to ensure Korean culture integrates naturally into Brazilian daily life. Through 12 years of dedicated programming, the center has established itself as a vital bridge between Korean and Brazilian cultures, contributing to the global expansion of Korean cultural influence while fostering meaningful cultural exchange between the two nations.
