Other Worlds

After yesterday's visit to London it took me some time to write down my 950-words review on the exhibition.

Besides the trip I had collected pictures of the Underground tunnel, which showed an almost surreal light through the windows.




Pictures of South Kensington Tube Station, London

I appeared to me as if the leaves on the other side of the windows tried to connect with the people in the tunnel;

Upperground meets Underground




Don't 'leaf' me alone...


ON KOREA

The Victoria & Albert Museum had revealed a concise art history of Korea to me.

Korea has a long and continuous history as an independent country. Its people have their own language and a clear national identity. Unique traditions of clothing, cuisine and architecture all contribute to a strong sense of nationhood.

The teachings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius have been a strong influence on Korean society, as has Buddhism. Both have coexisted for centuries, but Confucianism in particular has promoted a respect for austerity, authority and social order.

Most of the objects in the gallery were made for the sophisticated and cosmopolitan Korean elite. They show the Korean preoccupation with simple shapes, plain colors and restrained decoration, along with a rich symbolism and a love of nature.

This heritage is still venerated. In both North and South Korea the state offers financial support to artists who rework traditional forms and maintain traditional skills.

Korean Periods and Dynasties	Korea	The World
19xx.....Republic of Korea	1950-53...Korean War	1939-45...Second World War
1909-1945...Japanese annexation	1979......'March First' movement popular against Japanese colonial ruler	1914-18...First World War
19xx-19xx...O	1880-86...Japan, the United States, Britain, Russia and France ... the Korean government ...
	1700-1800...The Practical Learning Movement ()	1789.....French Revolution
	1653-1666....A Dutch sailor, Hendrick Hamel, publishes a description of Korea after being shipwrecked and held captive. (see http://www.hendrick-hamel.henny-savenije.pe.kr/)	1620.....Pilgrim Fathers in America
	1592.....Japanese military leader Toyotomi Hideyoshi sends troops to Korea and China.	1456.....Gutenberg's Bible printed
	1443.....The Korean alphabet, han'gul , invented
	1394.....Seoul becomes capital of Korea
	1237-51...Buddhist scriptures printed on 81,137 woodblocks, now stored at Haein temple
	1231.....Mongol invasion	1215.....Magna Carta (The Great Charter)
	1010.....Buddhist scriptures printed for first time	1066.....Norman invasions
	919..... xxx chosen as xxx capital	1000-1100...The Crusades: Christian Powers try to capture the Holy Land from the Muslims
	before 751....	990.....Inca Empire expands
	640.....Cheomseongdae (means "star gazing tower") Observatory built	570-632...Life of the Prophet Muhammed
	427.....P'yongyang chosen as capital by Koguryo	475.....End of the Roman Empire
	384.....Buddhism adopted as state religion by Paekche	200.....Christianity spreads throughout the Roman Empire
	372.....Buddhism adopted as state religion by Koguryô	43.....Romans reach Britain
	about 400-200...Iron Age
	about 900-400...Bronze Age