RABINDRANATH Tagore’s poem Lamp of the East was a beacon of hope to thousands of Koreans who were once under the manacles of Japanese regime.
It was written at a time when the morale and spirit of Korean people were ebbing under the colonial rule of Japan.
Eight decades after it was first published, these words still hold strong resonance to the Koreans. To pay their respect to the poet who was once revered and admired in their country, an exhibition titled Lamp of the East is being showcased at the Lalit Kala Akademi. It aims to pay tribute to Tagore through the works of seven award winning contemporary Korean artists and also shows that Korea is now indeed ‘The Lamp of the East’ as was predicted by him years ago.
Insang Song, the curator of the exhibition, explaining the importance of Tagore in the lives of the Korean people says, “People would struggle for one meal a day. Properties were destroyed, the country was reeling under poverty.
Tagore’s poem gave the courage and fortitude to move ahead in those trying times.” Song’s connection with Tagore dates back to the time when he was introduced to Geetanjali, which spoke of dreams and hopes. “The poem with its universal theme of hope could relate to the Korean people and it inspired us,” adds Song.
The works showcased in the exhibition are a confluence of Korean and ‘Tagorean’ ideas.
“Like Tagore, all the artworks by the seven artists convey a sense of simplicity and reality.
Every single piece shows the artists’ contemplation and meditation of and through the cultures that they belong to.
This exhibition looks back on the memory of Tagore with respect and affection ahead of the 150th anniversary of his birth. He will be loved, even as we continue to recall his poem, with admiration and gratitude,” says Song.
Jheon Soocheon’s Here you are is specially created for this exhibition. A profile image of Tagore is imprinted behind a barcode. A ubiquitous commercial insignia, it shows the commercial aspect to any product. Through this work, Socheon wants to say that Tagore is dead, but his spirit is still alive in their hearts. The Lamp of the East has a collection of the some of the most remarkable works from Debbie Han, Lee Leenam, Wang Jiwon, Sin Kiwoun, Seok Cheol Joo, Lee Gwang Ho and Jheon Soocheon. The exhibition is on at the Lalit Kala Akademi till November 13.