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The Grand Buddhist Art Exhibition of Korea, the country's most prestigious event in Buddhist art, will present its special exhibition "A Flower Does Not Bloom Alone," opening on the 12th.

According to the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism on the 4th, the exhibition is grounded in the core Buddhist teachings of formlessness (musang), dependent origination (yeon-gi), and compassion (jabi), translating the Buddhist worldview of all beings' interconnectedness into contemporary artistic language.

Twenty-one invited artists representing both traditional Buddhist art and contemporary art will present a total of 33 works spanning painting, sculpture, craft, and media art.

Following the exhibition's core themes, Part 1, "Formlessness," features works by artists Kang Shin-ja, Shin Sang-chul, Shin Ho-yoon, Ahn Kyung-jin, Lee Hye-won, Jean-Julien Pous, Chae Seung-yeon, and Choi Kyung-rak, exploring the Buddhist truth of non-attachment to form.

In Part 2, "Dependent Origination," artists Kim Kyung-mi, Kim Min, Seo Yong, Yang Sun-hee, and Lee Bae-gyeong render the deep principles of causality and interconnectedness through art.

In Part 3, "Compassion," works reflecting a gaze of great compassion are presented by Monk Songcheon along with artists Kwak Hong-chan, Oh Won-bae, Won Cheon-su, Yoo Hyun-jung, Lee Jin-kyung, Choi Hak, and Hyun Seung-jo.

Notably, the exhibition includes internationally renowned media artist Jean-Julien Pous, who created "Circulation" at the entrance and "Lighthouse" at the exit of the National Museum of Korea's signature "Room of Quiet Contemplation," as well as the special exhibition "From the Hands," featuring monk artisans.

The opening ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. on the 12th on the first floor of the Korean Buddhist History and Culture Memorial Hall. The exhibition will run through the 26th at the Buddhist Central Museum.

                                                                                                      Hwang Eui-joong