Artists with disabilities at the opening ceremony of “Into the People, Into Harmony,” an exhibition at Cheong Wa Dae’s Chunchugwan in central Seoul, August 31. / Courtesy of Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

An art exhibition highlighting the works of disabled artists was held at Cheong Wa Dae, the former presidential compound. 

The exhibition was designed to support artists with disabilities and present their works to the public. Under the theme of “Into the People, Into Harmony,” some 60 works including paintings, calligraphy and crafts by 50 artists with physical or mental disabilities were on display from August 31 to September 19 on the second-floor main hall of Chunchugwan where the Cheong Wa Da press corps used to cover presidential affairs and be briefed by presidential secretaries.  

Hosted by the Korean Federation of Disability Cultural and Arts Associations of Korea, the exhibition aimed to reduce prejudice against individuals with disabilities – in line with President Yoon Suk Yeol’s policy of providing artists with disabilities support and more opportunities to showcase their work, so their abilities can be fully displayed. 

In his congratulatory message, Culture Minister Park Bo-gyoon said this special exhibition offered an opportunity for people with and without disabilities to empathize and communicate with each other through art. 

Autistic artist Kim Chae-sung, who participated in the exhibition, said he now feels more connected to the world. 

He used to feel as though he lagged behind non-disabled people, he recalled, but art has broken down those barriers of prejudice. He added that he now loves meeting new people.

Many visitors remarked that Kim’s artwork brought back happy childhood memories because the paintings have warm and vibrant colors.

One of his paintings, “Little Universe,” features fish, birds and unicorns and is currently hanging in President Yoon’s office. His painting “Age of Dinosaurs” – one of the pieces in “Into the People, Into Harmony” – depicts a Tyrannosaurus (T-rex) trying to eat the eggs of a plant-eating dinosaur.  

An embroidered piece by artist Lee Jung-hee that draws on traditional designs / Courtesy of Lee Jung-hee

Embroidery artist Lee Jung-hee also took part in the exhibition. The severely disabled craft artisan must use a wheelchair to get around. She started doing embroidery 40 years ago. Though she works at her craft about 10 hours a day and it is physically challenging, she also said that the focus on her art frees her from all other distractions.

The master artisan called for more government support for disabled artists who are struggling financially. 

The exhibition was the first to be held at Cheong Wa Dae, following the former presidential compound being transitioned into a multi-purpose cultural complex by the Yoon administration. 

The culture ministry’s plan for Cheong Wa Dae’s transformation includes a section within the compound that tells its history and provides information about former presidents. The ministry will also sponsor exhibitions and performances that make use of the existing buildings and the art housed in them. The guiding principle is “expanding the content while preserving the original form.” 

*This article was partially based on a story in Gonggam, a weekly magazine published by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to promote state affairs. 

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