logo
MMCA Seoul screens eight-film series on creative process

MMCA Seoul screens eight-film series on creative process

Korea Herald19-02-2025

From Picasso's canvas to Nam June Paik's screens, 'Moment of Creation' spotlights artists in their element
The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea is screening eight documentaries that offer an intimate view of artists at work in a series entitled "Moment of Creation" at the MMCA Seoul's Film Theater through May 24.
Headlining the program is "The Mystery of Picasso" (1956), in which Henri-Georges Clouzot captures the Spanish master's painting process in real-time. It is followed by "Aalto" (2020), an exploration of Finnish architect-designer couple Alvar and Aino Aalto's design philosophy.
Andrzej Wajda's final work "Afterimage" (2016) follows Polish avant-garde artist Wladyslaw Strzeminski, while Wim Wenders employs 3D technology in "Anselm" (2023) to delve into Anselm Kiefer's mythologically charged studio practice.
The series branches into performing arts with Chantal Akerman's "One Day Pina Asked ..." (1983), showcasing choreographer Pina Bausch's experimental dance-theater troupe, Tanztheater Wuppertal.
Other works include 2022 Nobel laureate Annie Ernaux's "The Super 8 Years" (2022), "Sisters with Transistors" (2020) on the women pioneers of electronic music and Amanda Kim's "Nam June Paik: The Moon Is the Oldest TV" (2023).
MMCA pairs the screenings with talk sessions with experts, including a discussion with director Amanda Kim on May 23. Shows run Wednesday and Friday through Sunday. While admission is free, online reservation is required through MMCA's website.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

16th Korea Opera Festival to feature classics, originals and family works at Seoul Arts Center
16th Korea Opera Festival to feature classics, originals and family works at Seoul Arts Center

Korea Herald

time3 days ago

  • Korea Herald

16th Korea Opera Festival to feature classics, originals and family works at Seoul Arts Center

Korea's leading celebration of opera returns this summer with the 16th edition of the Korea Opera Festival, featuring seven new and classic operas running from June 6 to July 13 across all three theaters of the Seoul Arts Center: the Opera House, CJ Towol Theater and Jayu Theater. Organized by the Korea Opera Companies Association, the annual event brings together seven private opera companies to stage a lineup that includes canonical masterpieces, newly created Korean operas and productions tailored for younger audiences, underscoring the festival's commitment to both artistic excellence and broader accessibility. The festival opens with "Carmen," a mainstay of the French Romantic repertoire, presented by Gloria Opera Company and directed by Yang Soo-hwa. Set against the backdrop of Spanish exoticism and filled with iconic arias such as "Habanera" and "Toreador Song," Bizet's "Carmen" will run June 6–8 at the Opera House. From June 13 to 15, Nuova Opera Company will stage Puccini's "La Boheme," which captures the spirit of 19th-century Paris through the bohemian lives and doomed love of young artists. Artistic director Kang Min-woo leads the production. BeSeTo Opera Company, under artistic director Kang Hwa-ja, follows in early July with Mozart's "Don Giovanni" to be performed from July 4–6. The opera buffa fuses comedy and darkness in the story of the legendary libertine whose escapades end in ruin, framed by Mozart's masterful blend of drama and satire. Closing the Opera House schedule is "Dosan," a Korean original by Korea Arts Group that dramatizes the life of independence activist Ahn Chang-ho. Running July 11–13, the opera turns the philosopher's ideals of education and enlightenment into a musical narrative, bridging Korean modern history and operatic form. At CJ Towol Theater, audiences can enjoy Rossini's beloved comedy "The Barber of Seville," presented by Noble Art Opera Company June 20–21. Directed by Shin Sun-seop, the production delivers all the charm, wit,and rapid-fire arias that make the opera a perennial favorite. The Jayu Theater serves as the stage for two family-friendly productions. "Miles and the Three Musketeers," an original work by The Muse Opera Company directed by Lee Jung-eun, plays June 28–29. Through animal characters preparing for a music audition, the opera explores themes of friendship and aspiration in a format suited for all ages. Opera Factory reimagines the classic fairy tale "Little Red Riding Hood" as a children's opera, running July 5–6. Directed by Park Kyung-tae, the production uses a child's perspective to reframe familiar narratives and promote engagement with classical music among younger audiences. Launched in 2009, the Korea Opera Festival has grown into a key platform for private opera companies.

Park Sueye triumphs at International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition
Park Sueye triumphs at International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition

Korea Herald

time30-05-2025

  • Korea Herald

Park Sueye triumphs at International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition

The 25-year-old becomes second Korean violinist to win, after Yang In-mo's 2022 victory Three years after violinist Yang In-mo became the first Korean to win the International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition, fellow Korean virtuoso Park Sueye claimed the top prize at the competition's 13th edition, held in Helsinki on May 29. Founded in 1965 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius' birth, the competition is held every five years and is regarded as one of the most demanding and respected violin competitions in the world. Past winners include legendary figures such as Viktoria Mullova, Leonidas Kavakos and Sergey Khachatryan. Park is the second Korean to win the competition, following Yang In-mo's historic win in 2022. 'I'm incredibly happy to have won the Sibelius Competition,' the 25-year-old said after the announcement. 'It was a meaningful journey, and I'm so grateful that I was able to communicate my music through to the very end. It still feels surreal, but I'm grateful for everyone who rooted for me,' she said. While this is her first major win at an international competition, the young violinist has already carved out a distinct identity in the classical music world, with five critically acclaimed albums to her name. She released her debut recording, 'Paganini: 24 Caprices,' in November 2017 at the age of 16, becoming the youngest artist to record the complete set. In an interview with The Korea Herald in May 2023, Park reflected on her evolving identity as both a performer and educator. She described each of her albums not merely as recordings, but as personal milestones -- markers of growth at different stages in her life and career as well as a testament to her transformative musical journey. 'I'm not sure if I would try to record the complete Paganini again when I turn 35. But to be honest, when I listen to my first album, it's already very different,' she said. Her sixth album, a solo violin recording titled 'Exil!,' is set to be released in July by BIS Records. The album features Bartok's Sonata for Solo Violin, selections from Ysaye's Six Sonatas, and other technically demanding pieces. Two years ago, Park began to take her artistic practice beyond the stage. 'I guess I'm a polymath. I feel slightly happier when performing solo, but I have also changed through meeting many people. I'd also like to play in an ensemble and an orchestra, as well as teach,' Park told The Korea Herald. 'I learn a lot from teaching and performing in an orchestra once in a while. All of these experiences enhance my understanding of music.' A total of 40 violinists participated in the 13th International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition. Following the first and second rounds held from May 19 to May 25, six finalists, including Park, were selected. For the final round, Park performed Oliver Knussen's Violin Concerto Op. 30 with the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra and Jean Sibelius's Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47 with the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra. Her prize includes 30,000 euros ($34,000) in cash, upcoming engagements with Finland's top orchestras, mentorship under violinist Pekka Kuusisto and conductor-violinist John Storgards, and a one-year loan of the 1777 Guadagnini violin 'ex Sasson,' facilitated by Beare's International Violin Society. Second prize was awarded to Minami Yoshida from Japan and third prize to Claire Wells from the United States. This year's jury consisted of seven violinists, including Korea's own Lee Sung-ju and Cho Jin-joo, who served as Kumho Art Hall's artist-in-residence in 2015.

Xinhua Silk Road: Chinese martial arts promote cultural exchange in Spain
Xinhua Silk Road: Chinese martial arts promote cultural exchange in Spain

Korea Herald

time30-05-2025

  • Korea Herald

Xinhua Silk Road: Chinese martial arts promote cultural exchange in Spain

BEIJING, May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- During a recently-held event featuring martial arts, Zhang Daojin, the seventh-generation inheritor of the Six-harmony Mantis Boxing, left audience in awe with the charm of eastern martial arts at the Confucius Institute of Granada University, Spain. Zhang, from Longkou City of east China's Shandong Province, eloquently explained the historical origins and unique characteristics of the traditional Chinese boxing, noting that the Six-harmony Mantis Boxing embodies traditional philosophical concepts and integrates the agility and power of the praying mantis into its techniques. At the event, Zhang also demonstrated his exquisite techniques, attracting other martial arts experts to study his movements on site. The audience, from children to seniors, with their focused attentions on the charm of the Chinese martial arts, were brought together regardless of their different ages and cultural backgrounds. For years, Zhang has dedicated himself to preserving and promoting the Six-harmony Mantis Boxing, with his footprint extending across China and abroad. He has taught over 10,000 students and has hundreds of disciples, some among which are from the United States, Japan, Canada, Italy, Spain, and other countries. During this trip to Spain, Zhang exchanged insights and explored the essence of martial arts with his European disciples. People are thrilled by Zhang's visit, as he has deeply moved many people in Granada with his personality, his knowledge, and his mastery of traditional Chinese martial arts, said a Spanish student. In 2024, a total of about 100 foreign students traveled to Longkou in five batches to experience the charm of the Six-harmony Mantis Boxing and learn authentic Chinese martial arts firsthand. The Mantis Boxing was included in the fourth representative list of state-level intangible cultural heritage items in the year 2014, infusing new vitality into this ancient art.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store