Dynamism of Korean Illustrations: Picture Books of the Neighboring Country

This exhibition showcases approximately two hundred artworks of nine artists who are well known in contemporary picture books in Korea.

Korean modern cultures, such as K-pop and Korean literature, are popular not just in Japan but in all over the world, and Korean picture books are included in them. In recent years, Korean picture books have been receiving awards in international competitions and its presence has become strong across the border. Especially in the 2020s, a number of Korean illustrators became a hot topic in the international competitions；Lee Suzy, who received Hans Christian Andersen Award; Lee Myung-ae, who received the Prize of Golden Apple of Biennial of Illustration Bratislava.
This exhibition is the first project in Japan to introduce these booming Korean picture books on a large scale. The exhibition focuses on nine leading artists including the aforementioned three, and displays approximately two hundred works such as original drawings and sketches produced in the process of making books. In this exhibition will be included Lee Young-kyoung, Han Byung-ho, Kim Dong-sung and Kim Jae-hong, who have been active in the world of picture books since the 1990s. At the same time, we introduce artists who are leading the present international activities of Korean picture books, adding Park Chul-meen , Seo Hyeon and Lee Gi-hun, whose works are well known but not yet translated in Japan.
With these artists’ works, this exhibition shows you the latest look of picture books of the neighboring country.