[비즈한국] The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), a prestigious U.S. institution for visual arts, is hosting a special event to reflect on its history as it marks its 160th anniversary. The “CROSSING 1866” exhibition, co-organized by the SAIC Korean Alumni Association and the school, will open at the Gana Art Center in Pyeongchang-dong, Seoul, from the 18th to the 31st.
This exhibition sheds light on the artistic world of 37 Korean alumni who span several generations, beginning with the traces of Lim Yong-ryeon (1901~?), a pioneer who became the first Korean to set foot in SAIC in the late 19th century, to contemporary artists currently active in the field. The visual language of these individuals, who have transcended the boundaries of borders and culture to build unique domains in their respective fields, will be gathered in one place.
Opened in 1866, SAIC is a cradle that has produced masters who have left significant marks on modern art history, such as Georgia O'Keeffe and Jeff Koons. In particular, the Korean alumni community is considered one of the largest on campus due to the high number of Korean students, and the school is currently led by President Jiseon Lee Isbara, who is of Korean descent.
President Isbara is the first immigrant and second woman to serve as president in the history of SAIC. Ahead of the exhibition, she stated, “The past 160 years have been a time of boldly questioning existing perspectives and pioneering unknown territories,” adding, “I hope this exhibition conveys that innovative energy to the visitors and serves as a source of encouragement for the next generation of creators moving forward.”
The exhibition hall is filled with a feast of diverse media that transcends time. The exhibition features works that cross genres, including painting, sculpture, new media, film, photography, design, and interior architecture, showcased by both junior artists and historical figures, such as Lim Yong-ryeon’s "Landscape of Herblay," which is housed in the collection of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. It offers a glimpse into the evolution of how creators with different backgrounds and life trajectories have perfected their own formative languages within the common denominator of SAIC.
The “CROSSING 1866” exhibition is free for everyone to enjoy. Viewing hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, and the center is closed every Monday.