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Through Their Eyes exhibition opens in Kingston Museum

Kingston Museum’s exhibition devoted to Korean viewpoints on the UK and foreigner’s views on Korea opened last night with speeches from the Mayor, the Ambassador and the curator Seoyoung Kim (who bravely hosted the event despite being on crutches from a recent injury). Hyelim Kim endured the intense heat in the upstairs exhibition space to perform some court and folk music for daegeum, as well as a piece by Hwang Byung-ki.

Thanks to the museum and sponsors, a pleasant evening was had by the visitors. The Kingston press office marked the opening with a press release as follows:

Kingston Museum’s latest exhibition launch brings Korean Ambassador to town

Cllr Julie Pickering (Mayor of Kingston) and Ambassador Hwang view artwork in Kingston Museum's latest exhibition
Cllr Julie Pickering (Mayor of Kingston) and Ambassador Hwang view the artwork

The UK Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Mr Joonkook Hwang, made a special visit to the Kingston Museum’s latest exhibition, which celebrates the presence of the Korean community in our Royal Borough, yesterday evening (Thursday 6 July).

Titled ‘Through their eyes: depicting Korea and UK, then and now’, the exhibition showcases prints depicting life in Korea, as well as artworks based on experience of life in the UK by Korean artists, some of whom are Kingston residents.

Following the private viewing, a speech was made by the Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Julie Pickering, who highlighted the cultural importance of the blended exhibition and welcomed our honoured guest. The Ambassador followed, thanking the Museum for the insightful showcase.

Through Their Eyes artwork at Kingston Museum

On visiting Kingston Museum, Ambassador Hwang said:

“I’m delighted to have been able to attend the launch and view the impressive array of artwork depicting both life in Korea and the United Kingdom. Through this exhibition, mutual understanding and appreciation is further deepened and strengthened.”

Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Julie Pickering, added:

“From the Korean Festival in September to upcoming teaching exchanges and much more, there are a huge number of Korean cultural events to look forward to in our Royal Borough. This exhibition is an embodiment of the wonderful blend we have in Kingston and long may this continue to thrive.”

Ambassador Hwang was joined by his wife, Shil Rhee, at the special preview event.

A traditional Korean musical performance brought proceedings to a close.

Traditional Korean music performance
Dr Hyelim Kim playing the bamboo flute at the opening event

The exhibition opens to the public today (Friday 7 July) and closes on 30 September.

For more information, visit www.kingston.gov.uk/museum.

All photos courtesy Royal Borough of Kingston-upon-Thames.

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