Pine trees have long been symbolic of eternal life and integrity.
An art exhibition is underway dedicated to Jeju’s black pine trees, which are also known as gomsol (곰솔). With the current island-wide pine wilt infestation, this exhibition gives visitors a chance to appreciate the beauty of Jeju’s pines as depicted in traditional Korean paintings. Suejin Choi has more.
Jeju’s black pine trees or gomsol (곰솔)... are sturdy... yet subtle. They withstand the test of time and many harsh winds… but are graceful and sublime.
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‘Jeju Gomsol: Laugh, Cry, Dance’
Through Oct. 20 at Gallery Biotop
A special art exhibition dedicated to these trees is currently underway at the Gallery Biotop (비오톱). Some 50 paintings of gomsol are on display under the title
‘Jeju Gomsol: Laugh, Cry, Dance’.
[Interview]
Kim Hae-gon / Gallery Biotop
This exhibition showcases the works of artist Shin Dong-cheol. It aims to increase environmental awareness and be a reminder of the value of nature.
<인터뷰: 김해곤/ 갤러리 비오톱 대표>
"소나무를 주로 그리는 신동철작가의 전시가 되겠는데요. 환경을 바르게 인식하고, 그것이 얼마나 소중한가를 알리고자 전시를 기획했습니다."
Artist Shin Dong-cheol (신동철) has been living in Jeju since 2012. He moved here because of his love for the mountains and trees. And one of the first trees that caught his eye was the gomsol.
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Pine wilt infestation also illustrated
For months he wandered through the forests of Hallasan Mountain in awe of its pine trees… but every now and then to his dismay, he would come across a withered tree, infested with pine wilt disease. He included this sad reality in this art exhibition.
[INTERVIEW]
Shin Dong-cheol / Artist
In the old days, these trees were even considered to be village guardians. It’s such a shame how many of Jeju’s pine trees have died, but there are still many that are alive and I wanted to raise awareness to protect them.
<인터뷰: 신동철/ 한국화가>
"당산나무로도 사용했던 소나무인데, 제주도의 소나무가 죽어가는 것이 안타까워서, 고사된 것도 있지만 그것을 복원시키는 작업을 하고 싶어서..."
The artworks will be on display for four weeks. The following week, there will be a special exhibition based on visitors’ feedback… and on the very last day, visitors can take part in an open discussion that will be held with the artist and an expert on pine wilt.
[REPORTER]
Suejin Choi
The gomsol art exhibit runs until October 20th. Organizers hope it will be an opportunity to understand a part of Korean culture that allows you to see how pine trees laugh, cry and dance. Suejin Choi, KCTV.