New exhibit features two Korean artists at USU
A Utah State University assistant professor is one of two artists whose works are on display at the Nora Eccles Museum of Art exhibit, geared to bringing a new cultural perspective to the campus.
The exhibit, entitled “When Gesture Finds its Power,” is on display through April 30 at the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art.
Jinman Jo, a native of Seosan, South Korea, who works as an assistant professor of sculpture, said it is important for students to see the exhibits to further their educational and cultural experience.
“My work is like a diary for me,” Jo said, who uses stone, metal and wood as his mediums. Although he did not discuss the creation process, museum officials have described his artistry as a healing shaman, a longtime Korean tradition that has been overshadowed by westernization.
“When I feel angry or sad, I go to my work,” Jo said. “As my materials take on their new form they become vehicles for the transmission of my ideas to the viewer.”
Jo, who came to Utah in 2003, said he has also found inspiration in the state’s landscapes. He tries to incorporate that beauty in his sculptures.
Jo earned his masters in fine arts in sculpture from the University of Iowa, School of Art and Art History, in Iowa City. He was a visiting artist at the University of Seoul and SungShin Women’s University, in Seoul.
Hyunmee Lee, an abstract painter is also featured at the museum. She is from Seoul, South Korea, and now lives in Pleasant Grove as an assistant professor of painting at Utah Valley State College.
“My mission is to bring good art to Utah,” said Lee. “Utah does not have as many museums as big cities in other states do, so Utahns don’t have as many opportunities to see professional art.”
Lee’s art consists of muted earth tones and layering of paint. She does not strive to create a meaning for her work, she would rather viewers determine that for themselves, she said.
Lee has a Master’s of Arts in Visual Arts from the University of Sydney, in Sydney, Australia. She taught at Honh-Ik University in Seoul. She has displayed her works in Korea, Australia and now Utah.
Bria Jones, a freshman majoring in print journalism and creative writing, recommends that students visit the museum even if they are not interested in Korea.
“It’s not just about the culture, it’s a new perspective on art,” she said.
Museum Curator Frank McEntire said USU has an internationally diverse student body. Korea and Asia are big parts of the students here and it is important that they are represented.
For more information on “When Gesture Finds its Power,” or any other exhibit, call the museum info-line at 797-0163.
The exhibit is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free.
-bsheperd@cc.usu.edu