An array of American, Korean and Chinese art to be exhibited at Jackson State University will offer a “gateway” between cultures that can boost economies, says a ceramics art expert from Korea.
According to Hyun Chong Kim, JSU professor of art and ceramics, an American, Korean and Chinese Group Exhibition will show at the College of Liberal Arts Gallery on the first floor of the Dollye M.E. Robinson Building starting Thursday, Jan. 15.
Hours for the free exhibit are 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon-Fri, through Feb. 25.
An opening reception will be held Thursday from 4-6 p.m.
Several events surround the exhibit, Kim said, including a talk by ceramics scholar Dr. Dong Hun Chung at 2 p.m. Thursday at the College of Business auditorium. The public is invited to this free event.
Dr. Chung is head professor in the Department of Ceramics and Doctoral Program, WonKwang University, Korea. He also is president of The Institute of Korean Arts Therapy.
The exhibit is a “bridge” between Korean and Chinese arts into America and “it is also a gateway of showing American arts to Korea and China,” said Chung. But, it will not only be a cultural exchange, “but will contribute largely economically, as well.”
By promoting understanding of art and culture, the exhibit promotes the creative economy within both cultures. “As everybody understands, the economies of Korea and China are developing very rapidly,” Chung said. “Development of their art worlds is progressing correspondingly quickly.”
The works include ceramics, textiles and oil paintings. Several pieces included in the exhibit are by Mississippi artists. The exhibit extends through Feb. 25.
Kim said that Chung visited JSU several years ago and expressed an interest in showing Korean and Chinese art. That started collaboration between universities in the two countries.
Artists showing in the exhibit are also expected to visit Blackburn Middle School in Jackson, Kim said. Among them is Professor Wang Xiaoqiang, an artist from China.
There also will be a free “art therapy” demonstration at 9 a.m. Friday, Jan. 16, at Johnson Hall. The public is invited.
Kim, whose work is included in the show, is curating the exhibit.
For more information, call Kim at 601.979.2395 or email hyun.chong.kim@jsums.edu