National Geographic's First Exhibition of Endangered Animal Photographs Unveiled

Published 02 Feb.2025 08:47(KST)

Songpa-gu and MUSEUM 209 Continue Collaboration at Lake Bridge Gallery
National Geographic Photographer Joel Sartore's 'Photo Ark' Exhibition from February 4 to March
Large-Scale Media Art in Late March, Followed by Light Sculpture 'The Sphere' in April

Giant panda

Songpa-gu (District Mayor Seo Gang-seok) announced that from the 4th until the end of March, a special exhibition by National Geographic exclusive photographer will be held at the Seokchon Lake walking trail's 'Lake Bridge Gallery' (hereinafter referred to as Hosugyo Gallery).

This planned exhibition is the district's second public art exhibition following last year. To allow residents to experience high-quality artworks even in everyday spaces like walking trails, the Hosugyo Gallery was established under the Jamsil Hosugyo Bridge at Seokchon Lake last May, promoting a public-private partnership public art project.

This year, works by National Geographic exclusive photographer Joel Sartore are displayed at the Hosugyo Gallery, continuing the public-private cooperation with the local art museum MUSEUM 209. Sartore is a renowned photographer who has captured over 16,000 animal species over 25 years to raise public awareness about endangered animals.

The theme of the photo exhibition is 'Photo Ark,' symbolizing an ark for animals, reflecting the artist's warm intention to preserve endangered animals forever by placing them in an 'ark' of photographs.

The main photo exhibition, including works displayed at the Hosugyo Gallery, is being held at MUSEUM 209 located by Seokchon Lake.

For over two months, about ten precious animal photographs are exhibited along the walking trail. Notably, visitors can see various endangered animals such as the blue snake 'Rhino Rat Snake,' symbolizing wisdom and flexibility in the year of Eulsa, the adorable twin 'Giant Panda,' and the feline predator 'Ocelot.'

Last year's first project featured 'Running People' by world-renowned illustrator Federica Del Proposto, focusing on the walking scenes of diverse city dwellers. It was well received for its content fitting the space and sophisticated expression, leading to an extension of the exhibition period by three months.

In this way, the district is enriching Seokchon Lake with refined culture and arts. Along with the district-run art museum 'The Gallery Hosu,' which opened last November and is gaining popularity, the Hosugyo Gallery will transform into a large-scale media art gallery this coming spring. Following that, the advanced light sculpture 'The Sphere' is expected to be unveiled consecutively.

Seo Gang-seok, Mayor of Songpa-gu, stated, “Seokchon Lake is transforming from a simple walking trail into a special exhibition space where distinguished artworks converge,” adding, “We will do our best to provide various opportunities for residents to enjoy contemporary culture and arts in their daily lives.”