The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (KCCDC) proudly introduces a series of 15 calligraphic works by esteemed local artist Kwon Myoung Won that commemorate the 574th anniversary of Hangeul Day-a national holiday in Korea marking the 15th-century creation of the Korean alphabet-and the 100th anniversary of the death of Korean independence activist Ryu Gwansun, by recreating the chapters of The Life of Patriot Ryu Gwansun, a 1948 work by a novelist Jeon Young-Taek (1894-1968).
Ryu, who died in prison on September 28, 1920 at the age of 17, following her leading role in Korea's March 1st Movement in protest of Japanese colonial rule over Korea, is a revered historical figure in Korea today and a symbol of the nation's fight for independence in the early 20th century.
Hangeul Day, also known as Korean Alphabet Day, is celebrated every October 9th and marks the announcement of Hunminjeongeum, the landmark declaration by Korea's ancient King Sejong the Great in 1443, which promulgated a new phonetic, alphabetic writing system to the nation, leading eventually to fundamental shifts towards mass literacy and equality.
"Hangeul is our proud heritage admired by people all over the world," says Kwon, who wrote out the text of Jeon's 1948 work in meticulous detail on 15 large scale, vertically-read calligraphy pieces. "And so, on the occasion of Hangeul Day, I am pleased to introduce The Life of Patriot Ryu Gwansun in beautiful Korean calligraphy."
The work is available to view via the KCCDC Flickr page now at https://flic.kr/s/aHsmQWjHEh.
The Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea is dedicated to strengthening Korea-US ties through a broad variety of public programs, including art exhibitions, performances, educational outreach, institutional partnerships, networking, and support for local Korea events in the Capital area.
