The 2019 Cheongju Craft Biennale consists of five main exhibitions and three special exhibitions. Of them, two main and three special exhibitions were held outdoor for the first time this year. We hope that audiences can experience the aesthetic of craft through works of global artists all over Cheongju.
Meta signal by Lee BongsikCheongju Craft Biennale
Lee Bongsik’s art pieces combine rocks found in rivers with time as expressed through the artist’s craftsmanship, ultimately symbolizing the rocks’ intrinsic nature. Over time, the wind, rain, and other natural elements erode, constantly changing their shapes into those that we see everyday. In this sense, rocks can be thought of as pieces of history. Similarly, Lee’s artistic vision and craftwork when turning these rocks into pieces of art leave another mark of history upon these natural artifacts.
In this particular series, Lee focuses on the concept of meta-signals, or familiar symbols that are used in an abstract way to transcend their basic and most commonly understood meanings. For example, Lee uses symbols like commas to represent rest and taking a break. This exhibition offers audiences an opportunity to take a closer look at the narrative of Yullyang-dong's old houses, the time and history contained within rocks, and the integration of meta-signals within this context. Through this experience, audiences can get a better sense of the meaning and purpose behind Lee’s artwork.
Jeongbuk-dong Earthen FortressCheongju Craft Biennale
Earthen Fortress in Jeongbuk-dong is the birthplace of North Chungcheong Province's living and cultural sphere and the origin of Cheongju City. The symbiosis of the process of craftmanship, which inevitably involves physiological functions, and the humanistic scenery will be spread widely around Earthen Fortress through the work of audience experience of "Building a Hut"
Cheongju Confucian SchoolCheongju Craft Biennale
A man "begins with a poem, continues with Li, and is completed with music. "The ideal of Confucianism, shown in the Analects of Confucius, Taebaek, illustrates arts function as an important means. We will be acknowledging and sharing the inherent Confucian identity in the sentiments of Koreans through the experience of art in the space of Hyanggyo, the Confucian temple and school to teach local students in the Joseon Dynasty period.
SAEM SAEM by Jung-Yoon LeeCheongju Craft Biennale
Utopia that is linked to the space of ruins, We will take a look at the diverse urban regeneration laws by bringing artistic activities into the area of Andeokbeol, which has been coopted by the increase since the revival of the tobacco manufacturing industry.
Old Cheongju Train Station History Exhibition HallCheongju Craft Biennale
Transformed from the former Cheongju industrial base into a cultural train station Let's look at Pyeongyang from a disconnected railroad. Under the theme of "Pyeongyang Holiday," Special Exhibition 2 will be held at the former Cheongju Station, which drove the revival of modern industry. It illustrates cultural desire for peace through an exhibition that features the two Korea's division.
Special exhibition 3: Jeongbuk-dong Earthen Fortress, 'flag art'
From Jeongbuk Village to both sides of the 400-m-entry into Earthen Fortress, and Earthen Fortress Dulle-gil Special Exhibition 3, which visualizes the Dulle-gil course around Toseong in Jeongbuk-dong and welcomes the audience heading to Earthen Fortress, Jeongbuk-dong, consists of 500 flags.
Lee Bongsik, Lee Jongkuk, Lee Ungbai, Lee Jung-Yoon, Mihaela Noroc