The 'Silent Language of Silence' Captured by Camera

The National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage and the Ilhyang Korean Art History Institute announced on the 8th that they will hold a photo exhibition by art historian Kang Woobang titled "Kang Woobang's Eye, Speaking the Language of Form" at the Insa Art Center in Jongno-gu from the 9th to the 20th. The exhibition showcases cultural heritage photos taken by Kang Woobang, director of the Ilhyang Korean Art History Institute, over more than 40 years from various perspectives. Having served as the head curator of the National Museum of Korea and director of the Gyeongju National Museum, he donated over 67,000 cultural heritage photos to the archive of the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage in November last year.

The first part of the exhibition presents about 500 photos taken by Director Kang, divided into five categories: painting, sculpture, architecture, crafts, and nature, displayed through video. The second part features photos documenting cultural heritage from East and West, including Goguryeo tomb murals and Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. Related materials such as cameras, measured drawings, and records are also exhibited.

The term "language of form" included in the exhibition title is Kang's core theory. He views the language of form as a concept contrasted with written language. Kang stated, "All plastic artworks are composed of the 'silent language' of form," and explained, "From the spiritual energy (Yeonggi, 靈氣) that fills the universe comes the Yeonggimun (patterns of spiritual energy, 靈氣文), from which all living things are created."

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