Korean and Japanese Modern Artists in the Korean Peninsula, 1890s-1960s

In considering Japanese and Korean artists experiences’ of the Korean Peninsula in the first half of 20th century and how they chose to represent them, this exhibition hopes to shed light on the complex nature of northeastern Asian art from that time.

In the work of those Japanese artists who visited the Korean Peninsula during its Japanese occupation, we see indications of the classic Orientalist attitude, as characterized by viewing the territory as one occupying a realm of past tradition. At the same time, we also notice works that make clear the deep effect that their experi- ences in the Korean Peninsula had on themes within their work, such as relationships between the West and the East Asia, and tradition and modernity.

Meanwhile, the Korean artists, finding them surrounded by a world full of social limitations and contra- dictions, turned an inquisitive eye upon it to produce a diverse and rich body of work, that nonetheless remained highly introspective. Many of those active at this time later went on to be pioneering figures in the Korean art world.

As well as presenting the works of leading masters from both countries, this exhibition also showcases the work of those Japanese artists living in the Peninsula before the outbreak of war.

But for the narrow body of water separating them, Japan and South Korea are neighbouring nations, and have maintained a close alliance throughout history. However, amid the complicated situation prevailing with the surrounding northeast Asian nations, the two countries’ relationship has not always been an entirely peaceful one. In the first half of the 20th century, when the worldwide wave of modernism came lapping at the shore of northeast Asia, the Korean Peninsula suffered the ill-fate of being seized as a Japanese colony. However, since the Treaty on Basic Relations between Japan and the Republic of Korea in 1965, both countries have been making the attempt at fostering friendship and mutual goodwill, and the struggle towards building a constructive relationship with which to face the future continues.

This year, 2015, marks the 50th anniversary of that treaty. This exhibition traces the tracks left by the fer- tile, earnest creative attempts that bore fruit in a most difficult time, when contradiction abounded. We sincerely hope that the artistic attempts to pin down some kind of universal truth featured here will provide an opportunity for the two nations of Japan and Korea to consider historically their mutual struggles and concerns, and share them, thereby fostering increased empathy and common understanding.