Korean Embroidery in Modern Times: The Birds Trying to Catch the Sun
Embroidery, an ancient cultural heritage, entails adorning fabrics with decorative patterns using needles and a vibrant palette of threads. Across two millennia, Korean embroidery has been instrumental in cultural exchanges with East Asian nations, giving rise to distinctive and visually captivating artistic expressions throughout different historical periods. The term 鈥渆mbroidery鈥� often evokes established traditional forms, notably referencing the home crafts practiced and cherished by women during the Joseon Dynasty. It also encompasses the subsequent transmission of inherited embroidery techniques. However, the concept of modern embroidery remains unfamiliar, primarily due to its perceived lack of a solid historical foundation. The historical trajectory of embroidery post-19th century has been shaped by pivotal periods marked by port openings, modernization, Westernization, colonization, warfare, nation division, and industrialization.
As the diverse developments in embroidery during these transformative epochs have been unfortunately marginalized within the purview of mainstream art history, this exhibition addresses this gap by highlighting the works of under-recognized embroidery artists. Furthermore, it delves into the trajectory of embroidery practices across various historical periods, providing valuable insights into their positioning within the broader framework of Korean modern art history. The visitors will discover that behind the delicate and intricately embroidered facade of modern embroidery history; there are interwoven layers of fine art and crafts, painting and embroidery, creation and imitation, tradition and modernity, East and West, male and female, public and private, handicraft and industrial (mechanical) craft, amateurism and professionalism. By incorporating the 鈥渆xternal discourse鈥� of embroidery, the exhibition seeks to move beyond fine art perspectives.
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Embroidery, an ancient cultural heritage, entails adorning fabrics with decorative patterns using needles and a vibrant palette of threads. Across two millennia, Korean embroidery has been instrumental in cultural exchanges with East Asian nations, giving rise to distinctive and visually captivating artistic expressions throughout different historical periods. The term 鈥渆mbroidery鈥� often evokes established traditional forms, notably referencing the home crafts practiced and cherished by women during the Joseon Dynasty. It also encompasses the subsequent transmission of inherited embroidery techniques. However, the concept of modern embroidery remains unfamiliar, primarily due to its perceived lack of a solid historical foundation. The historical trajectory of embroidery post-19th century has been shaped by pivotal periods marked by port openings, modernization, Westernization, colonization, warfare, nation division, and industrialization.
As the diverse developments in embroidery during these transformative epochs have been unfortunately marginalized within the purview of mainstream art history, this exhibition addresses this gap by highlighting the works of under-recognized embroidery artists. Furthermore, it delves into the trajectory of embroidery practices across various historical periods, providing valuable insights into their positioning within the broader framework of Korean modern art history. The visitors will discover that behind the delicate and intricately embroidered facade of modern embroidery history; there are interwoven layers of fine art and crafts, painting and embroidery, creation and imitation, tradition and modernity, East and West, male and female, public and private, handicraft and industrial (mechanical) craft, amateurism and professionalism. By incorporating the 鈥渆xternal discourse鈥� of embroidery, the exhibition seeks to move beyond fine art perspectives.
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