Buddhist Painting

[Anchor Lead]

A Korean Buddhist painting has received a jury prize at the annual Paris Salon art exhibition of the French Academy of Fine Arts. Let’s check it out.

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"The Portrait of the Willow Goddess of Mercy" shows a bodhisattva with a halo shaped like a water droplet. The soft yet sophisticated shoulder lines and translucent white silk of the heavenly attire represent the characteristics of the 14th century Buddhist art of the Goryeo period.

[Soundbite] Michel King(French National Society of Fine Arts) : "The technical aspect is superb. The painting appears serene, but it exudes enormous emotional power."

The French Academy of Fine Arts, which has a 349-year tradition, showcased the artworks of more than 600 artists from around the world at this year's Salon art exhibition. Ven. Hyedam has dedicated her entire life to restoring the Buddhist paintings of the Goryeo period. She presented five works at the exhibition, including the painting of "Medicine Buddha," which is believed to cure any disease in the world.

[Soundbite] Jean Louis(Art Critic) : "Hyedam's works have a strong traditional aspect. They represent the most innocent and profound side of Buddhist art."

Ven. Hyedam has received a jury prize.

[Soundbite] Ven. Hyedam : "I feel rewarded for having re-discovered the pride of Korean cultural heritage that was lost 700 years ago."

Buddhist paintings dating back seven centuries, all the way to the Goryeo period, are playing an important role in publicizing Korean art in Paris.