The Korean Cultural Centre drops us a line about a series of events and exhibitions they have planned starting this week to celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of manhwa, Korean comics:
“Manhwa celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2009. This popular art form holds a long and cherished history that began with the first publication of Doyoung Lee’s political cartoons in “Daehanminbo.” This print newspaper was founded on June 2, 1909, and manhwa was born along with it. Manhwa is an art form used to comment on a wide variety of topics. It can often spotlight societal injustices. Sometimes, manhwa tells marvelous tales of dreamy romance. Other times, the art form simply uses its simplified figures and their exaggerated gestures to provide amusement and entertainment. To this day, manhwa continues to evolve and hold a special place within the hearts and minds of Korean society.”
The Manhwa 100: Centenary of Korean Comics exhibition opens to the public from May 21st and runs through to June 24th at the Lorean Cultural Centre (1-3 The Strand, London) . In addition to the art exhibitions there will be a chance to meet manhwa artist Chul-Ho Park on Wednesday 20th of May from 6.30 to 7pm, with a live drawing workshop with the artist the following day from 2 to 3.30pm (along with Paul Gravett), there’s a manhwa bang (bang being Korean for ‘room’, a spot to hang out and talk about and read some manhwa), and film screenings; for full details check the official website.
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