[HanCinema's Digest] Photography and Art

A North Korean defector/animator turns tragedy into laughs South of the DMZ, see how one K-artist is drawing inspiration from the country's history of shamanism, Joseon-era royal seals on display after being returned, and see avant garde photographs from Korean artists during the 60s and 70s.

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"Finding Humor In A Harrowing Escape From North Korea"

Choi Seong-gok, an animator and cartoonist, has turned his tragic experiences in North Korea into humour in the South. Despite having the "dream job" of working as an animator for the government, Choi admits that he was brainwashed to produced propaganda material for DPRK. "We made our own versions of the Lion King, Pocahontas as well as an animated Titanic", said Choi. "Some even say if people back in the North see these they'd understand life in South Korea better".

...READ ON WORLD CRUNCH

"Why Shamanic Practices Are Making a Comeback in Contemporary Art"

South Korea's art scene has been making waves in the global marketplace, especially over the past two years. Minimalism, for one, has caught the eyes of international collectors and respected curators, but is the country's history of shamanic practices posed to be the next big art trend? Artist Park Chan-kyong, for one, "looks to his country's traditional spiritual practices as a way to invoke and address the tragedies of recent history". But it's not just Korean artists who mining shamanism for creative inspiration...

...READ ON ARTSY

"Returned royal seals open to public view"

Until October 29, visitors to the National Palace Museum of Korea will be able to catch a glimpse of two recently returned royal seals originally from Korea's Joseon Kingdom. "The Return of the Royal Seals" contains, among others, the seals of Queen Munjeong and King Hyeonjong, both of which left the country over 65 years ago. "The royal seals were used for ceremonial purpose and represent the legitimacy and authority of the state and royal family".

...READ ON THE KOREA TIMES

"Korea's avant garde go nuclear – in pictures"

The Guardian shares a collection of avant grade images from the 60s and 70s that "reveal how their work was a challenge to the country's authoritarian rulers". There are some intriguing and powerful pics here from a number of photographers, including Kim Ku-lim, Lee Kun-yong, and Sung Neung-kung. Click on through and be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comment section below...

...READ ON THE GUARDIAN