[HanCinema's Digest] Photography and Art

See some of the most photogenic islands around Korea, Ocula interviews the pioneering abstract artists Ha Chong-hyun, Korea's "heart of ceramic art" showcased at an international air fair in Santa Fe, and meet Korea's first black model and the challenges he faces.

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"33 beautiful islands to visit in South Korea"

There are over 3,000 officially affirmed islands in South Korea, many of which are incredibly photogenic. Recently, CNN has been posting a lot about the 'Land of the Morning Calm', and in this article, you'll hear and see some of the peninsula's most beautiful islands that you can actually visit. "While most travelers in the region have most likely heard of Jeju ... the seas surrounding the Korean Peninsula are peppered with lesser-known islands with spectacular views and awesome fishing".

...READ ON CNN

"A conversation with Ha Chong-Hyun"

Ocula sits down with Ha Chong-hyun, one of the first South Korean artists to embrace abstract art. Ha is well-known for his contributions to Korean art during the 60s and 70s, as part of the Dansaekhwa movement (as known as "Tansaekhwa"), or 'monochrome painting'. "During the 1960s and 70s I used materials that I was able to find easily around me. It was as simple as that. I could not afford other materials", said Ha. "It was also a time when I was young and wanted to explore everything". Monochrome paintings and abstract art have become an important aspect of the rise of contemporary Korean art, and Ha Chon-hyun helped to start it all...

...READ ON OCULA

"Sweetening the pot: Korean ceramists at Art Santa Fe"

An impressive delegate of artists and businessmen-and a number of important items from Icheon's Ceramic Village-were recently welcomed at the annual Art Santa Fe international air fair. Incheon, known as "the heart of ceramic art" in Korea, emerged to artistic significance during the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392) with its production of celadon, and later during the Joseon era for its white porcelain. "I'd like to introduce Korean artists to American collectors who appreciate and care about Asian art and artists - not just traditional art", said Gary Kim, who has two booths at the fair this year.

...READ ON PASATIEMPO

"South Korea's first black model faces widespread racism"

South Korea's first black model, Han Hyun-min, 16, is a up-and-coming talent with "long legs and powerful strut", but according to his agent, his ethnicity is a problem in a homogeneous country like Korea. "A dark-skinned fashion model like Han was unheard of in South Korea, so recruiting him was a big gamble", said his agent, Youn Bum. The article notes that there is discrimination when it comes to engaging with difference within this industry, but that hasn't prevented Han, who grew up in Seoul, from strutting his stuff.

...READ ON CHANNEL NEWS ASIA