A modern Byzantine style of architecture with a unique domed roof and
red bricks was constructed at the heart of the capital city, Seoul, in
1925 under the name of Gyeongsung Station.
At that time, the
emergence of the new building left people agog and open-mouthed. The
station has witnessed significant historical events of the nation since
then, and also undergone some changes including partial destruction and
restoration. The year 2004 provided a turning point when the
private-funded new station for the KTX, a high speed rail line, was
constructed to replace the old one. Once having been the major gateway
for transportation and the center stage for a century of historical
moments, the old Seoul Station was neglected for the past few years
after the opening of the new KTX rail line.
The
2012 Asian Students and Young Artists Art Festival (ASYAAF) kicks
off at Culture Station Seoul 284 on August 1, showcasing over 2,000 art
pieces by young artists from across Asia (photo courtesy of ASYAAF
Office). After almost two years of renovation in
August last year, the old station was reborn as Culture Station Seoul
284, where the significance of its historic and architectural value was
recognized. Since its opening project Countdown in August 2011, which
received glowing reviews, a series of cultural performances and
exhibitions have been taking place at this special venue.
This
summer will see festivities at this newly renovated Culture Station. The
2012 Asian Students and Young Artists Art Festival (ASYAAF) will kick
off on the first day of August and continue until August 26.
The
Fifth ASYAAF this year showcases around 2,000 art pieces created by 777
young artists from across Asia. The application was limited to graduate
and post-graduate students and applicants below the age of 30. For the
past four years, the annual exhibition was visited by a total of 194,000
art fans and sold no fewer than 3,000 pieces of work. With rave
reviews, the art fair has started to be recognized as the gateway to
success for young artists.
“The artists who participate in the
ASYAAF will be offered a new opportunity to build up some sales
experience for their own works that is totally different from their
learning in school,” said Kim Jong-hak, a professor from Sejong
University who was present at the orientation session for the ASYAAF.
The official poster for the 2012 Asian Students and Young Artists Art Festival (photo courtesy of ASYAAF Office) 2012 ASYAAF: the past and the future collide
Korea’s
largest exhibition for young leading artists takes place at the
charmingly old-fashioned historical place. On display includes a variety
of artwork such as 772 pieces of Western paintings, 337 Korean
paintings, 239 photographs, and 85 works from overseas artists.
“It
is a pleasant experience for me to display all of my works that
represent my artistic aspect of life,” said Cui Sheung, a Chinese
student who has stayed in Korea for four years. “It is a perfect chance
to meet artists of similar ages from various backgrounds and share
different views with them.” In regards with the work she submitted for
this year’s fair, she revealed her own perspective of how she views the
world through a little toy.
The examiners’ commentary for the
2012 ASYAAF included some complimentary messages such as ”It was nice to
see the enthusiasm and passion of the youngsters in their 20s,” and ”We
all agreed to pick up works that reflect their own language,” while a
few messages expressed wishes like ”It’d be better if it were less
focused on techniques.”
Besides the major exhibition, there are
plenty of side events to delight visitors. Some space was dedicated for
the artists’ portfolios while another area offers programs for the fair
attendees to participate.
Admission costs 6,000 won for adults
and 4,000 won for students, and offers a little discount to groups of 20
or more people. More information is available on the ASYAAF official website.
By Lee Seung-ah
Korea.net Staff Writer