The Korean Cultural Center in Brazil is hosting a special conversation event with renowned South Korean visual artist Seungyoun Lee, author of the celebrated book "Golden Mold Forest," which has been recently translated and published in Brazilian Portuguese. The event is scheduled for November 16 at 4:30 p.m. at the Korean Cultural Center located on Avenida Paulista in São Paulo.
During the talk, Seungyoun Lee will provide an in-depth look at the creative process behind her acclaimed book and discuss the accompanying audiovisual installation currently featured at the FIESP/SESI Digital Art Gallery. The artist will transform the venue into an immersive experience that explores the complex interdependence between nature and human beings, offering audiences a unique perspective on environmental consciousness through art.
Lee plans to discuss the journey of the book's protagonist, Hwanggeum, and reveal the deeper symbolism behind the 16 Golden Mushroom Trees featured in her work. She will demonstrate how multidisciplinary art can expand traditional narratives and inspire urgent reflections on the climate crisis, aligning perfectly with the ongoing COP30 debates taking place in Brazil during November. The timing of the event creates a meaningful connection between artistic expression and global environmental discourse.
Seungyoun Lee is a visual artist who firmly believes in the transformative power of narrative storytelling. Through her diverse body of work, she aspires to become what she describes as "a transcriber of colors, an alchemist, or a storyteller." She actively collects and transforms myths, ancient history, and extraordinary accounts that challenge the boundaries of imagination, alongside stories she encounters during her extensive travels. Her creative process involves continuously developing new stories from her drawings and producing works across various artistic formats.
The book "Golden Mold Forest" tells the enchanting story of little Dourado, who, while waiting for his mother outside school on a rainy day, notices a tiny being sprouting from the corner of a step. From that pivotal moment, he is transported into a rich landscape filled with sounds, whispers, and voices that invite him into a forest of imagination populated by microscopic life forms. This journey connects him to a world of poetic symbiosis filled with transformations, where mushrooms and moss create their own living ecosystem.
The illustrated book serves as an invitation for readers to enter a world deeply connected to the ecology of childhood, a magical place where the senses remain alert to discovery and wonder. It explores and celebrates the sensitivity of art in both the possible and impossible places of life, encouraging readers to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. According to Amelì Editora, the book's publisher, the work represents a bridge between worlds, connecting Korean artistic sensibilities with Brazilian literary culture.
The event will provide a unique opportunity for attendees to engage directly with the artist and explore the mythologies, cultural references, and personal experiences that have shaped her distinctive artistic vision. The conversation format will allow for interactive dialogue between Lee and the audience, creating an intimate setting for cultural exchange and artistic exploration.
The event is scheduled for November 16, 2025 (Sunday) from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Library of the Korean Cultural Center in Brazil on the first floor. The center is located at Av. Paulista, 460, Bela Vista, São Paulo, SP. Admission is free, but capacity is limited to 30 participants on a first-come, first-served basis. Those interested in attending or seeking additional information can contact the center via email at infoseletivo.art.
