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Standard Chartered Korea sponsors exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery in time for Olympics


A total of 34 Korean contemporary artists have been selected for an upcoming “Korean Eye” exhibition in London, which will be held at the Saatchi Gallery from July 29 ― just in time for the summer Olympic Games.

The exhibition, sponsored by Standard Chartered Korea, a leading global financial group, presents some 100 works by 34 established Korean artists, including Ahn Chul-hyun, Kang Hyung-koo, Moon Beom, Bahk Seon-ghi and Shin Mee-kyoung.

The “Korean Eye” project has been sponsored by Standard Chartered since 2009 to promote Korean contemporary art worldwide. The project has held exhibitions in the world’s major cities including Seoul, New York, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi in the past four years, drawing more than 700,000 visitors.

“I am proud that the bank’s support is culminating in the showcasing of Korean contemporary art in London to coincide with the greatest sporting and cultural event in the world,” said Richard Hill, president and CEO of Standard Chartered Korea Financial Group and Standard Chartered Bank Korea.

“The Bank is firmly committed to leveraging its unique strengths for the benefit of Korea. I think the London exhibition demonstrates how we strive to act not only as a bridge in an economic sense, but also as a vehicle to increase awareness and understanding of Korean culture globally.”

Some 100 works by the 34 artists will be featured at the upcoming show in London. The pieces were selected by the Saatchi Gallery’s curators after reviewing portfolios submitted by more than 2,000 Korean artists. The curatorial team is known for their knack in discovering the works of up-and-coming artists.

“I am thrilled and delighted to collaborate with Korean Eye and Standard Chartered,” said Nigel Hurst, chief executive of the gallery.

“Korean Eye is set to play a key role in shaping our understanding of the works of these artists, and provide a rare glimpse into the culture of their homeland. The artists have absorbed many aspects of the contemporary lives in Korea and took very individual approaches to express them. They showcase extraordinary talent and energy.”

Previously, “Korean Eye: Moon Generation” was held for three months in London in 2009. Another series, “Korean Eye: Fantastic Ordinary” was held at the Saatchi Gallery in 2010, as well as in Seoul and Singapore.

“We created Korean Eye in the hope of introducing Korean contemporary art to the world,” said David Ciclitira, chairman and Founder of Korean Eye in a statement.

“We are incredibly proud that Korean Eye has become an ambassador of Korean culture. And it would not have been possible without the support of our partners, Standard Chartered and Saatchi Gallery. I appreciate their support.”

In addition to “Korean Eye,” Standard Chartered in Korea supports the development and publishing of catalogues, books and digital applications to help promote understanding and awareness of Korean art.

By Claire Lee (dyc@heraldm.com), from The Korea Herald.