The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea (MMCA) and the National Art Museum of China (NAMOC) have joined forces to present The Modern and Contemporary Ink Art of the Republic of Korea and the People's Republic of China (수묵별미 水墨別美), a groundbreaking exhibition exploring the evolution of East Asian ink and color painting. Running from November 28, 2024, to February 16, 2025, at the Deoksugung Palace galleries in Seoul, this exhibition marks the first collaboration between these two esteemed institutions. Featuring 148 works by 69 Korean and 76 Chinese artists, the exhibition offers an unprecedented opportunity to examine the shared traditions and unique developments of ink art across both nations.
The exhibition represents a significant departure from past approaches that often viewed East Asian art through a Western-centric lens. Instead, it constructs a narrative rooted in the region's cultural perspectives, celebrating the deep historical connections between Korea and China while acknowledging their distinct artistic trajectories. By juxtaposing traditional genres such as landscapes, portraits, and bird-and-flower paintings with modern and contemporary innovations, the exhibition reveals how ink and color painting has served as both a medium of continuity and a site of creative reinvention.
Among the highlights are the works of iconic artists such as Lee Ung No, Kim Ki Chang, Xu Beihong, and Zhang Daqian, whose pieces capture the essence of tradition while embracing new possibilities. These masters are complemented by contemporary artists like Lee Jin Ju and Wu Zuoren, who push the boundaries of ink art by experimenting with abstraction, mixed media, and conceptual themes. Through these diverse practices, the exhibition underscores how ink and color art remains a vital and dynamic form of expression in East Asia.
This exhibition is not only a visual feast but also a platform for cultural and intellectual exchange. Workshops and an international academic conference accompany the display, fostering dialogue between scholars, artists, and audiences. These programs aim to deepen the understanding of East Asian art’s historical and cultural significance, while also exploring its relevance in contemporary global contexts. In a time of complex political dynamics, the collaboration between MMCA and NAMOC serves as a powerful reminder of the unifying potential of art.
The exhibition’s venue, Deoksugung Palace, adds another layer of meaning to the experience. The historic site, with its blend of traditional Korean architecture and Western-style buildings, mirrors the exhibition’s theme of harmonizing the old and the new. Visitors will not only encounter the evolution of East Asian ink and color art but also reflect on the enduring dialogue between history and modernity, tradition and innovation.
Through its thoughtful curation and rich selection of works, The Modern and Contemporary Ink Art of the Republic of Korea and the People's Republic of China invites viewers to immerse themselves in the beauty and complexity of East Asian art. By tracing the medium’s journey from its traditional roots to its contemporary reinterpretations, the exhibition highlights the resilience and adaptability of cultural traditions. It is both a celebration of artistic heritage and a call to envision new possibilities for the future of ink and color painting. This historic collaboration between Korea and China sets a new benchmark for cultural exchange and artistic dialogue in the region.
Sayart / Jason Yim, yimjongho1969@gmail.com
