Dynamism of Korean Illustrations | Yokosuka Museum of Art
Picture Books from the Neighboring Country: “Dynamism of Korean Illustrations at Yokosuka Museum of Art”
9 prominent picture book artists from South Korea will be bringing
approximately 200 pieces of their work to this exhibition!
Explore the talented backgrounds and inspirations of each artist and immerse yourself in their creations to your heart’s content.
About: Dynamism of Korean Illustrations Yokosuka Museum
Rising Influence: Korean Picture Books Beyond Borders
Various aspects of modern Korean culture, including K-pop and literature, have gained popularity in Japan, and picture books are no exception.
In recent years, Korean picture books have garnered recognition at international competitions, strengthening their presence beyond borders.
Especially in the 2020s, Korean picture book artists like Suzy Lee, who won the International Andersen Award for Illustration, and Lee Myung-ae, the recipient of the Bratislava Biennial of Illustrations’ Golden Apple Award, have become prominent.
Exploring Korean Picture Books: A Showcase of Nine Influential Artists in Japan
This exhibition is the first to showcase the vibrant Korean picture book scene in Japan, featuring nine influential artists, including award winners.
These artists, active since the 1990s, are well-received in Japan and internationally.
It provides a glimpse into the latest trends in Korean picture books, showcasing original artwork and sketches that illustrate the creative process.
Some artists, like Park Chul-min, Seo Hyun, and Lee Gi-hun, are globally recognized but untranslated in Japan.
Exhibition Spotlight: Featured Artists
- Lee Gi-hun(イ・ギフン / 이기훈)
- Suzy Lee(スージー・リー / 이수지)
- Kim Jae-hong(キム・ジェホン / 김재홍)
- Seo Hyun(ソ・ヒョン / 서현)
- Lee Myung-ae(イ・ミョンエ / 이명애)
- Han Byoung-ho(ハン・ビョンホ / 한병호)
- Lee Young-kyoung(イ・ヨンギョン / 이영경)
- Kim Dong-sung(キム・ドンソン / 김동성)
- Park Chul-min(パク・チョルミン / 박철민)
Lee Gi-hun
Lee Gi-hun: Journey from Rural Childhood to Picture Book Author
Author Lee Gi-hun was born on September 13, 1980, in Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do.
He spent his childhood in the rural natural surroundings, and during his adolescence, he faced challenges adapting to city life after moving to Jecheon.
In the early 2000s, inspired by wordless picture books by Gabriel Baung, David Wiesner, and Shaun Tan, he nurtured the dream of becoming a picture book author.
He began illustration work in 2012, and his notable works include “Tin Bear” “Big Fish” “Eggs” and “09:47.”
“Tin Bear” Global Recognition and Continued Impact on Children’s Literature
“Tin Bear” won the Children Jury Prize at the 2013 Biennial of Illustration Bratislava (BIB). His self-authored and illustrated “09:47” was submitted to the 2023 BIB.
Following these achievements, he actively engages in various activities such as lectures and exhibitions to maintain communication with readers both domestically and internationally.
Awards:
- 2010: “Tin Bear” – Selected Illustrators, Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF)
- 2010: “Tin Bear” – Mention of the Selected Illustrators, Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF)
- 2013: “Tin Bear” – The Prize of Children Jury, Biennial of Illustration Bratislava (BIB)
Suzy Lee
Suzy Lee: Innovations in Wordless Picture Books
Suzy Lee’s wordless picture books have been recognized for their unique literary and aesthetic innovations. Born in Seoul in 1974, she majored in painting at Seoul National University’s College of Fine Arts.
After graduating, she started illustrating children’s novels. During her studies at Camberwell College of Arts in the UK, she took a draft of her Master’s project, “Alice in Wonderland,” to the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, and it was published by Edizioni Corraini in 2002.
“Mirror,” was published in 2003 and became the first of the Border Trilogy: “Mirror” (2003), “Wave” (2008), and “Shadow” (2010).
All three wordless stories share the physical center of the book, the binding, that acts as a border between fantasy and reality in the actual story.
On one side of the page, we see a little girl in a mirror, at the seaside, in a storage room, and on the other side of the page, we see her fantasy and imagination.
“Lines” (2017) captures her love, and sometimes frustration of line drawing and minimal colors, telling the story of a young skater.
Her story of a rescued dog, “River, the Black Dog” (2018),
was selected for the 2020 IBBY Honour List and won the Korea Book Award.
Recently, she founded the independent publishing company Hintoki Press to publish her experimental works inspired by old Korean folk motifs. Her involvement with Vacances, a collective of other Korean picture book artists, led to the haunting book, “Sim Cheong” (2019).
Education:
- Seoul National University, Western Painting
- Camberwell College of Arts London, Master’s Program in Book Arts
Awards:
- “Open This Little Book” – Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor
- “Shadow” – New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book
- 2004: Bologna International Children’s Book Fair ‘Illustrator of the Year’
- 2008: New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book – “Wave”
- 2019: The 60th Korean Publishing Culture Award, Children and Youth Section – “River”
- 2021: BolognaRagazzi Award Special Mention – “Uroma”
- 2022: BolognaRagazzi Award Special Mention – “Summer”
- 2022: Hans Christian Andersen Award (Illustrator Category)
Suzy Lee Home page: http://www.suzyleebooks.com/home.htm
Kim Jae-hong
Artist’s Journey through Trials and Triumphs
Kim Jae-hong was born on February 14, 1958, in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi-do. At the age of 6, he was left alone in the world after his father passed away. During his early years, he faced challenging experiences, including living in a small room under the Baekryeon Temple in Hongeun 3-dong, doing odd jobs like delivering newspapers and shining shoes.
His two younger sisters were in an orphanage and later adopted by an American family. The dramatic reunion with his sisters on a TV program 22 years later became a pivotal moment that significantly changed his life.
Recognized for his artistic talent from a young age, Kim Jae-hong’s drawing skills were discovered at the age of 16 when he volunteered as a middle school teacher at a church. With the support of his older brother, he entered Baejae High School after passing the qualification exam.
Although he enrolled in the Western Painting Department at Hongik University, he did not graduate, expressing dissatisfaction with the school’s art education system. Despite these challenges, he chose to pursue a path in life through his art.
A Journey Through Art and Imagination
Kim Jae-hong transitioned to a full-time artist in 1993. The reunion with his long-lost sisters brought significant changes to his life. Following this, he created representative works like ‘The Giant’s Sleep,’ demonstrating a particular interest in human forms appearing in land, mountains, and fields. Through series like ‘Earth’ and ‘The Giant’s Sleep,’ he unfolded works that offered a unique perspective on distinctive features within nature.
In the 2000s, his transition to a picture book artist was greatly influenced by the support of his friends. Hailing from a background in folk art, he, along with artists like Lee Eok-bae, Kwon Yun-deok, and Jeong Seung-gak, engaged in exhibitions like ‘Our Land Exhibition,’ fostering an interest in children’s books.
In 1999, after receiving a proposal for picture book creation following the ‘Hidden Picture Exhibition,’ the ‘Donggang Exhibition,’ featuring hidden pictures, garnered significant attention. The illusionary effects previously unseen attracted over 20,000 spectators, solidifying Kim Jae-hong’s position as a distinctive picture book artist upon the release of ‘Children of Donggang.’
Education:
- Hongik University, Western Painting
Awards:
- 2004: Espace Enfants Award (Le Prix International du Livre Espace- Enfants) Winner – “Children of Donggang”
- 2006: France Incorruptible Award (Le Prix des Incorruptibles) Winner – “Cat School” Series
- 2007: Bratislava Illustration Biennale (BIB) Children’s Jury Prize – “Young’s Vinyl Umbrella”
- 2019: Bratislava Illustration Biennale (BIB) Nominee – “That Autumn”
Seo Hyun
Seo Hyun: A Journey Through Tears and Laughter in the Whimsical World of Picture Books
Seo Hyun was born in 1982 in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province. She majored in painting at Hongik University and studied picture book illustration at the Korean Illustration School (HILLS).
In 2009, she debuted with the picture book “Tear Sea,” a story that uses tears to create a sea and lets go of all the sad things in her life.
Seo Hyun has enjoyed creative activities such as creating characters since childhood and incorporates humor and comic expressions into her works.
Seo Hyun’s Artistic Voyage: Exploring Diverse Themes
Currently, she is participating in the Vacation Project. This project brings together leading Korean picture book authors to create independent publications with diverse themes and expressions, contributing to the creation of a new culture in Korean publications.
In the Vacation Project, Seohyun has published works like “Things in the Water,” “Rabbit War,” and “Horang Rice Cake House.”
Education:
- Hongik University, Painting
Awards:
- 2016: 2nd Art Toy & Character Contest (Hosted by Jeju Creative Economy Innovation Center / Organized by Artventures) Art Toy Category Grand Prize – Dustypocket
- 2017: 58th Korean Publishing Culture Award Winner (Children and Youth Section) – “Ticklish”
Lee Myung-ae
Lee Myung-ae: A Journey from Game Design to Picture Book Passion
Lee Myung-ae was born on October 5, 1976, in Seoul, South Korea.
After majoring in Korean painting in university, she initially worked as a game character designer before developing an interest in picture books during a career hiatus after giving birth.
Lee Myung-ae: From ‘Plastic Island’ to the Golden Apple of ‘Tomorrow Will Be Clear
In 2014, she embarked on the path of a creative picture book author with her first work, “Plastic Island.” During her creative process, she draws inspiration from podcasts, aiming for a hybrid form between painting and picture books.
Her debut work, “Plastic Island,” earned her the title of Bologna Illustrator of the Year in 2015, along with the Green Island Award at the 2015 Nami Concours and the 2015 BIB Golden Palm Award, recognizing her artistic prowess.
“Tomorrow Will Be Clear” achieved significant success, winning the BIB Golden Apple Award in 2021 after a five-year production period. Myung-ae holds a special affection for this book, noting that her artistic style underwent considerable transformation post-production.
Recent projects
Currently, she actively participates in the Vacance Project, a collaborative independent publishing initiative involving prominent Korean picture book authors. Through this project, Myung-ae released “Dance” and “Flower,” drawing inspiration from ancient tales.
Education:
- Hongik University, Painting
Awards:
- 2015: Bologna Illustrator of the Year
- 2015: “Plastic Island” won the Green Island Award at the Nami Concours
- 2015: “Plastic Island” received the BIB Golden Palm Award
- 2017: selected as the Bologna Illustrator of the Year again
- 2017: “Tomorrow Will Be Clear” won the Green Island Award at the Nami Concours
- 2020: shortlisted for the AOI World Illustration Awards
- 2021: “Tomorrow Will Be Clear” won the BIB Golden Apple Award
Han Byoung-ho
Journey of Art: The Early Years and Passion of Han Byung-ho
Han Byung-ho was born on October 7, 1962, in Singil-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, South Korea. Han Byung-ho spent his early years in a lush environment with forests and streams before Seoul underwent substantial urbanization.
He had a fondness for drawing from a young age, and during elementary school, his notebooks were filled more with drawings than academic notes. In middle school, he joined the art class, and in high school, he assisted his art teacher in preparing artworks for national competitions, gaining valuable experience.
Artistic Evolution: Han Byung-ho’s Journey from Korean Painting to Children’s Book Illustration”
Han Byung-ho majored in Korean painting at Chugye University for the Arts and worked for a stationery company called “Bareunson” after graduation.
In 1988, when the Korea Publishing Art Association was established, he was encouraged by a senior to participate in a children’s book workshop, where he submitted his illustration of a goblin.
This drawing, with its incorporation of traditional Korean painting techniques, attracted attention, leading to illustration commissions from publishing houses.
Breaking away from his three years of professional work, Han Byung-ho has been actively engaged in personal projects and children’s book illustration for over 30 years.
Award-Winning Journey: Han Byung-ho’s Recognitions in Illustration
His notable awards include the 2002 Asia Illustrations Japan Festival Grand Prize, the 3rd Science Book Award for “You Can Meet in the Beautiful Valley,” the 2004 Korea Creative Award in the Illustration category, the 2005 BIB Golden Apple Award for the creative picture book “I Want to Be a Bird,” and the 2006 46th Korea Publishing Culture Award Grand Prize. He was also selected as the Korean representative illustrator for the Andersen Award in 2014.
Education:
- 1988: Chugye University, Oriental Painting
Awards:
- 1997: 6th Children’s Culture Award, Art Section, Grand Prize
- 2001: 3rd Science Book Award
- 2002: Biennale of Asian Illustrations Japan Grand Prix
- 2005: Golden Apple Award
Lee Young-kyoung
Dreams from Japan to Seoul: Lee Young-kyung’s Journey to Become a Picture Book Artist
Lee Young-kyung was born in 1966 in Daegu, South Korea, as the youngest of five siblings, with one brother and four sisters. In 1970, at the age of four, her family moved to Japan, where she attended kindergarten until the age of seven.
It was during her time in Japan that she encountered many picture books and began dreaming of becoming a picture book artist. She went on to attend Myeongdeok Elementary School, Daejeong Middle School, and Gyeongil High School.
Eventually, she studied Oriental Painting at Seoul National University.
Journey from Illustrator to Independent Picture Book Artist
After graduating, Lee Young-kyung worked for a publishing company, contributing illustrations to children’s books for five years in the field of publishing art. In 1993, she transitioned to becoming a full-fledged picture book artist.
1998, she independently published a work she both wrote and illustrated, titled “The Seven Friends in the Aunt’s Room.” Following this, she continued to create numerous works and engaged in various activities.
Embracing Change Beyond Picture Books
Lee Young-kyung is an artist who constantly seeks change. In addition to her work in picture book publishing, she has consistently pursued sculpture creation in fields such as ceramics and crafts. She also participates in activities that extend beyond the realms of performing arts and picture books.
Education:
- Seoul University, Oriental Painting
Awards:
- 2001: SBS Children’s Media Award, Creative Picture Book Category Gold Prize – “The Seven Friends in the Aunt’s Room”
- 2006: White Ravens Special Mention (“The White Ravens 2006”)
- 2008: Sankei Fiction Translation Section Children’s Literature Award in Japan – “Four and a Half Points”
- 2022: Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award nominee (ALMA) – Illustrator
Kim Dong-sung
Illustrator’s Journey: Kim Dong-sung’s Path from Oriental Painting to Artistic Communication
Kim Dong-sung was born in Busan in 1970.
In 1988, he entered the Department of Oriental Painting at Hongik University, where he was greatly influenced by the works of artists such as Ben Shan, Käthe Kollwitz, David Stone Martin, and Oh Yoon.
Fascinated by the field of illustration, which allows for immediate communication with the public, he worked as an illustrator after graduating.
Kim Dong-sung: A Multifaceted Journey in Art and Literature
Starting with publishing illustrations, he expanded his activities to various fields, including textbook illustrations, movies, advertisements, comics, and animations.
One of Kim Dong-sung’s representative works, “Meeting Mom,” received the Korean Baeksang Arts Award in 2004. This work was exported to seven countries, including the United States, France, Germany, Japan, and Brazil. In 2008, it was nominated for the German Children’s Literature Award in the picture book category.
In addition to his work in picture books, Kim Dong-sung has created works in various fields, including newspapers, advertisements, posters, and stamps.
Education:
- Hongik University, Oriental Painting
Awards:
- 2004: Korean Baeksang Arts Awards – “Meeting Mom”
- 2008: German Children’s Literature Award Nominee – “Meeting Mom”
Park Chul-min
Illustrating Excellence: Park Chul-min’s International Acclaim and Diverse Portfolio
Park Chul-min is a veteran illustrator with a diverse portfolio and numerous awards. He has received recognition from the Korean Children’s Book Award and the Japan International NOMA Concours, earning international acclaim.
In 2003, he was selected as an invited artist for the Bratislava Biennale, and in 2005, he was named the ‘Artist of the Year’ at the Bologna International Children’s Book Fair in Italy. His works showcase Eastern beauty through the use of ink and pen techniques, with notable pieces including “The Cousin,” “Crawling through the Fields,” and “Going to Catch Monsters.”
Mastering Oriental Painting: The Artistic Journey of Park Chul-min
Park Chul-min majored in Oriental Painting at Chugye University for the Arts, employing a profound and vibrant painting style in his illustrations for many children’s books. He has garnered recognition in various fields, winning awards at the Korea Art Exhibition, Art World Grand Prize Exhibition, Korean Children’s Book Award, and the Japan International NOMA Concours.
Additionally, his creative picture book, “Going to Catch Monsters,” led to his selection as an invited artist at the Chihiro Art Museum in Japan in 2006. Among his representative works are “Guri’s Visit to the Art Museum,” “Children in Silver Paper,” and “Onion’s Bullying Diary 1, 2.”
Park Chul-min Interview Interview Video
Education:
- Chugye University, Oriental Painting
Awards:
- Winner of the Korean Children’s Book Award
- 2nd place in the Japan International NOMA Concours
- 2005: ‘Artist of the Year’ at the Bologna International Children’s Book Fair
Exhibition Details: Dynamism of Korean Illustrations Yokosuka Museum
| Date | November 18, 2023 (Sat) — December 24, 2023 (Sun) |
| Hours | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Closed | December 4, 2023 (Mon) |
| Admission (tax included) | Day ticket (Group of 20 persons or more) Adults: ¥1,300 (¥1,040) University Students/High School students/Senior over 65: ¥1,100 (¥880) Junior high school students and younger: Free ＊Including the admission fee for Collection Gallery ＊Entry is free for high school students residing in Yokosuka or students attending high school in Yokosuka. ＊Free admission for persons with a disability pass and one accompanying caretaker. |
| Organization | YOKOSUKA MUSEUM OF ART |
| Sponsorship | Korean Culture Center, Korean Embassy in Japan |
| Planning and Coordination | I.D.F. Inc. |
| Cooperation | Shin Myung-ho |
| Support | Han Chang-Woo・Tetsu Cultural Foundation |
