Culture News

[Anchor Lead]

Today we have the latest from the world of culture. We begin with the news about photographer BaeByung-woo, who is known for photographing pine trees and has held an exhibition in France.

[Pkg]

These photos underscore the sacred nature of pine trees. These pictures of twisted and bending pine trees are representative of the characteristics of Korean pine trees. And these straight, tall pine trees were photographed near the royal Château de Chambord in France. Photographer BaeByung-woo has been receiving offers from France over the past four years. He completed his 70 works reminiscent of ink paintings after photographing them on more than 20 occasions.

[Soundbite] BaeByung-woo(Photographer) : "This exhibition showcases my photos that look like ink paintings, because I am better known for preserving the tradition of ink paintings through my photos."

Bae's works also include images of pond reflections and the wind captured through waving flowers.

[Soundbite] Eric(Exhibition Planner) : "BaeByung-woo's photos appear abstract yet sometimes they look like movie scenes."

Held under the title "Another Forest," Bae's exhibition has been lauded as one of the most successful cultural events marking the 130th anniversary of the Korea-France diplomatic ties. What used to be an abandoned factory over the past 25 years has been transformed into a new cultural space by 18 artists. Piles of dust at the factory and the aging rooftop were used as materials for art. Some 3,500 old cassette tapes have been reborn into artwork. The public also participated in the project by planting cosmos flowers at the factory site.

[Soundbite] Hwang Sun-woo(Supervisor, Palbok Culture & Art Factory) : "The efforts of the public, workers, students and businesses will probably produce results next year."

This building, where silkworms once were grown, is now full of art works stimulating the imagination. To the public, it's a venue of culture, while to artists it's a precious space for creation.

[Soundbite] Kim Kwang-chul(Art director, Silkworm Performance Company) : "Programs helping artists to interact with others present them with opportunities to hone their artistic skills externally and internally."

Thanks to the efforts of ordinary citizens and creative artists, the abandoned factory has been reborn into a cultural venue.