Exhibit of silk lanterns relate to the hanbok at the Korean Cultural Center
On Jan. 15 the Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles, at 5505 Wilshire Blvd., opened its exhibit “Lights of Korea: Jinju Silk Lanterns; The 12 Panels of Grace,” which will run through Sat., Feb. 28.
MOTHER AND DAUGHTERS in traditional dress for the occasion (left to right) Hailey, Injo, and Elena Hong.
ATTENDEES in the folds of the lantern skirt.
A sensual, elegant exhibit (which just might be the perfect setting for a date during the month of love), the Jinju silk lanterns arrangement is inspired by the painting “Portrait of a Beauty (Miindo),” by Shin Yun-bok, from the Joseon Dynasty, exploring its subject of hanbok, the traditional Korean dress.
The hanbok is composed of 12 layers, and the arrangement of silk lanterns mimics a hanbok hemline as they unfold into a circular structure “that gently envelopes the visitor,” said KCCLA Director Haedon Lee.
Exhibition Curator Yoo KwanSook reflected upon the many iconic expressions of Korean beauty, such as, “the flow-like unfolding of the fan dance, or the disciplined elegance of tae kwon do.” In deciding how Korean beauty should be presented for this exhibit, she said the hanbok’s “simple restrained lines of the upper garment flowing into natural curves, and the twelve-panel skirt unfolding with quiet grace,” were inspirations.
DANCE ARTIST Haejin Bang interprets culture and the grand diaspora of Koreans through the body and movement.
The opening evening of Jan. 14 was even more elevated by a performance by contemporary dance artist Hannah Joo and sound musician Haejin Bang. (Watch a video on the Chronicle’s Instagram @the larchmontchronicle).
DRUMMER AND VOCAL artist Haejin Bang performed pansori.
The exhibit premiered in Brazil in 2023 and has toured cities across Southeast Asia, finding much popularity on social media. A presentation of hanboks made of Jinju silk, a history of the Jinju silk region’s industry, and the sarangbang and anbang (a Confucian-era man cave and a woman’s area respectively) are also on display.
Admission is free. The exhibit is open Mon. to Fri., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sat., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information visit la.korean-culture.org.
ANJU, SMALL BITES, including kale wraps, sweet pancakes, and yuzu lemonade delicate and elegant.
Category: Entertainment
