Kwangju Biennale, South Korea, 1997
Korean Artworks
Korean Artworks
Korean Artworks
In September of 1997 I had a chance to go to a park in Kwangju, or Gwangju, and see the Biennale. This is an art fair, held every two years.
The art exhibits were great, and I enjoyed them. There were artists represented from all over the world. There was even a display of North Korean art, paintings in the Motel Lobby Socialist Realism style. However, I didn't take many pictures of the artworks, preferring to people-watch, instead.
These pictures were the only artworks I photographed. There was a scale model of some architectural design, a wooden-framed contraption suspended from the ceiling, and this giant metal plaque.
Kwangju Biennale, South Korea, 1997
Sketch artists and customers
As with any fair in the United States, the Biennale had a row of portrait sketchers.
Kwangju Biennale, South Korea, 1997
School kids on a field trip
School kids on a field trip
Kindergarten children on a field trip
The schoolchildren had matching uniforms. Aren't the kindergarten kids cute?
Kwangju Biennale, South Korea, 1997
Korean rock band
This rock band, made of college students, were a flop. They cleared the place in nothing flat. Note the audience in the bottom of the picture heading for the exits.
Kwangju Biennale, South Korea, 1997
Korean school orchestra
Korean school orchestra
Korean school orchestra
Korean school orchestra
At the park amphitheater. This high school student orchestra was playing a Korean tune on traditional Korean instruments. My guide was worried that I wouldn't understand the music, but I assured him that I was enjoying it.
Kwangju Biennale, South Korea, 1997
Korean drummers
Korean drummers
Korean drummers
Joining the student orchestra were these four percussionists. They had a traditional Korean drum, some small, thick cymbals, a gong, and whatever that double-headed drum is called. They kicked up quite a spirited racket, and drew some cries of appreciation from the audience. A guide sitting with me told me that these instruments had something to do with harvest time, and also something to do with opposition to the Japanese occupation of Korea.
Kwangju Biennale, South Korea, 1997
Guide
This is one of the guides at the Biennale. He joined me at the amphitheater, and explained the musical performances to me.
Kwangju Biennale, South Korea, 1997
Korea Nuns
Korean Nuns
I was on the second story breezeway of the park building when I spotted these nuns approaching. I knew that their bonnets would make a great picture, so I raced to the railing and framed the bottom shot as quickly as I could. The top picture was taken as they were walking away.
Kwangju Biennale, South Korea, 1997
Korean school boys
Korean school boys
I was mobbed by these boys, who noticed the giant foreigner. I showed them some American money from my wallet, answered a few questions, and then took their picture, as much for their entertainment as mine.
Kwangju Biennale, South Korea, 1997
Flower Bed
Flower Bed
Flower Bed
I ended my stay at Biennale Park by taking some snaps of this flower bed.
Yudalsan Sculpture Park, Mok'po, South Korea, 1997
Sculpture Park
Sclupture Park
Sculpture Park
Yudalsan Sculpture Garden, Mok'po, South Korea, 1997
Sculpture Garden
Sculpture Garden
Note the figure ascending the steps, in the right side of the top photo.
Cheju Island, South Korea, 1997
Rocky islet
On Cheju Island
On Cheju Island
Views from a hotel veranda, by the shore.
Cheju Island, South Korea, 1997
Cheju Island
Cheju Island
I love these stone walls. As I mention in a similar post, they remind me of Ireland, only with black instead of white stones.
Yeomiji Botanical Gardens, Cheju Island, South Korea, 1997
Gazebo
At the gazebo in one of the outdoor gardens.
Yeomiji Botanical Gardens, Cheju Island, South Korea, 1997
Bowl
This bowl-shaped exhibit was photographed from the top of an observation tower, through a thick cloudy glass. That's why it seems a little washed-out.
French Garden?
Many of the exhibits had regional themes. I think this is the French garden. Leave me a comment if I'm wrong, thanks.
Cheju Island, South Korea, 1997
Cheju Island
Cheju Island
Cheju Island, South Korea, 1997
Cheju Island
Cheju Island
These make good wallpaper, if I do say so myself.
A surprise was these stone walls, tracing all over the landscape in this part of the island. The resemblance was to
Ireland, of all places. But the Irish walls are white, while the Korean walls are black basalt.
School teachers, Mok'po, South Korea, 1997
Teachers
At a restaurant in Mok'po.
Cemetery, Chollanamdo Province, South Korea, Chusok holiday, 1997
Chusok
Chusok
A view from a hillside cemetery, on a trip to honor ancestors.
Rooftop Views, Kwangju / Gwangju, South Korea, 1997
Rooftop Views
Rooftop Views
Black and white shots of some rooftop views, in the Yong Bong Dong neighborhood.
Rooftop Views, Kwangju / Gwangju, South Korea, 1997
Rooftop Views
Rooftop Views
Some views from a rooftop in the Yong Bong Dong neighborhood.
Rooftop views, Kwangju / Gwangju, South Korea, 1997
Rooftops
Rooftops
These are in the Yong Bong Dong neighborhood.
