Royal history revived through art

Deoksugung Project breathes new life into desolate royal bedchamber, garden and buildings


The turbulent royal history of late Joseon period seemed to have faded in memories of visitors to Deoksugung. But this fall, the royal history is revived by Korean contemporary artists, who shed light on both happy and unfortunate days of the palace.

Through the Deoksugung Project, organized by the National Museum of Modern Art, Korea and Deoksugung Office of the Cultural Heritage Administration, 12 artists restored or reinterpreted royal life or symbolized it with various works ranging from installation, sculpture, video and performance throughout the Deoksugung ground.

“Deoksugung is home to tumultuous history from Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) to modern period of Korea. We did something unprecedented in such a historical place with 12 contemporary artists,” said Chung Hyung-min, director of the museum at news conference on Tuesday.

The artists participating in the project range from internationally well-known artists such as Suh Do Ho to traditional hanbok designer Kim Young-seok and local artists and dancers.

Each artist presented his own interpretations of royal life and people.

Suh Do Ho restored King Gojong’s bedchamber Hamnyeongjeon based on the intensive research through which he got the idea of what his bedding must have looked like and materials and size of the wall paper.

Although the room looks empty, Suh revived the agony and struggle King Gojong must have gone through in such tumultuous period through dance performance on Tuesday.

The whole research process is recorded as a documentary film and played inside the Deoksugung Museum.

Traditional hanbok designer Kim Young-seok recreated the room where Princess Deokhye lived and kept happy memories before she left for Japan to study and fell into a life of despair and loneliness.

Titled “Better Days,” Kim filled the desolate room with furniture and craftworks selected from the antique collection of the designer.

The objects and a video projection of the old photo of the young princess shown on a sheer screen seem to evoke short, happy memories as well as her sorrows. 

Yee Soo-kyung symbolized the tragic destiny of Queen Inmok, who fell victim to palace politics and confined to a building named Seogeodang, with a tear drop sculpture.

The single teardrop, refracted by many LED light bulbs inside, represent the fates of countless women including Queen Inmok who had to endure unhappy days hidden inside the palace.

A light performance will be played on the exterior of Jungwhajeon, where official state ceremonies took place during Joseon Dynasty, but also witnessed its downfall, during the exhibition.

The large media projection, shot by media artist Lyu Jae-ha, will lead viewers on a journey that transcends time and space and lead to a meditative state of mind.

The Deoksugung project runs from Sept. 19-Dec. 12 outside the palace area as well as at the Deoksugung Museum from Sept. 19-Oct. 28.

Entrance fee to Deoksugung is free for elementary, middle and high school students and 1,000 won for adults. A ticket for the Deoksugung Museum exhibition is 2,000 won for adults.

Guided tours will be offered at 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. every day.

For more information, call (02) 2188-6000, or visit www.moca.go.kr.

By Lee Woo-young  (wylee@heraldcorp.com)