Brilliance Shines Through Chung Won-ils Nature Photography at the Korean Cultural Center

Published on 2012/07/14 | Source

With an atypical subject The Korean cultural centers latest exhibit, featuring photopgraphy

At the opening reception of the Korean cultural Centers latest exhibit on Friday, June 29, featuring striking black and white nature photography by Busan National University arts professor Chung Won-il, guests gathered to reflect on the multi-dimensional lighting of Chungs expansive atypical subject matter.

I felt a kind of ordinary beauty with the tree branches, said Chung in his remarks at opening of the exhibit, entitle There as It Is, referring to his minimal post-processing technique. It wasnt grand or spectacular beauty but humble beauty. Each branch tells its own humble beauty among the countless trees and branches.

Several guests reflected on the pleasant abstractness in Chungs photographs.

Its different, said Chris Wu. There doesnt seem to be a focus on one place in the photograph. It is more abstract.

Chungs style also drew guests with a more technical interest in photography.

I am curious about how the photographs are so large, usually prints are much smaller, said Jo Freeman, a photographer, herself. He must have used a very short shutter speed.

Chung explained how he implements his artistic vision by capturing the purest kind of lighting through his technique.

There is a difference between light on and light through, Chung said. Light on means strong light to the surface of the objects but the light through means the light illuminating the soul of the objects.

I think it is very impressive and relaxing. I really like the three dimensional effect, said Michael, a frequent visitor to the Korean Cultural Center.

Chung also described why he thinks many viewers are attracted to such simple subjects: Everyone has a different perspective on the woods and mountains and interprets differently. My intent was capturing the effect of the light through capturing the soul of the humble objects with the world of various lights.

Gloria Claure, a guest, also spoke of such a connection, likening the images to Washington DCs Rock Creek Park.

The exhibit will be open through July 11, 2012. To join the Korean Cultural Center mailing list and receive announcements of upcoming events, click here or visit www.Dynamic-Korea.com.

By Marissa Citro