ART AND HERITAGE

The first day of the year is celebrated as New Year's Day on the Gregorian calendar. However, on the lunar calendar, a different day marks the beginning of the new year. Regardless of the East or the West, universally, the first day of the first month is recognized as New Year's Day. The arrival of the new year brings with it various customs, cultural traditions, and the nostalgic essence of long-standing habits that have permeated our daily lives. As time passes, we feel the deep, indelible DNA of culture flowing within us as diaspora living, and we cherish it with admiration. Even in our current lives, the reverence for rice, an irreplaceable part of our existence, is evident throughout our daily routines. Rice, the most common yet comforting and nurturing staple, will be the central theme. Additionally, we aim to introduce the traditional mask dance, which has long reflected the life and aspirations of our nation.

The intention behind this January exhibition is clearly demonstrated by inviting two artists active in Korea. Park Juho is an artist who works with rice as his object, while Yoon Man-sik is an artist who personally crafts the masks for the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage performance of Bongsam Talchum, bringing the characters to life on stage.