"<...> the sun rose for them in the peaceful splendor that wraps the morning hours there even to this day, and the sunbeams fell into the valleys between the hills and nestled on the land. Morning Calm they called it, and it seemed not so much a name as its very essence. The drowsy quiet of the spot lulled them to rest, and they fell asleep. They were in the world, yet it was to them as if it had passed away. And so they slept on for
ages."
Percival Lowell (1868)
Lechbinska Gallery is delighted to present
Land of Morning Calm, a group exhibition showcasing the work of emerging South Korean artists. This exhibition stands in dialogue with
Hallyu! The Korean Wave, the first major exhibition on South Korea at the V&A Museum since 1961, which will be on view at the Rietberg Museum in Zurich from April 4 to August 17, 2025.
The exhibition title references
Chosön: The Land of the Morning Calm, a book published in 1886 by Percival Lowell, an American scholar who served as a counselor to Korea’s first diplomatic mission to the United States. Lowell’s account introduced Western readers to the landscapes, customs, and traditions of a country still largely unknown beyond its borders.
Today, South Korea is a global cultural powerhouse. Since the late 1990s, the country’s creative industries—spanning television dramas, music, animation, gaming, fashion, cosmetics, cuisine, and technology—have captivated audiences worldwide. The phenomenon known as
Hallyu, or the Korean Wave, has become a major force of soft power, with over 100 million fans globally in 2020. South Korea’s dynamic image of modernity and innovation resonates across continents, with significant influence in North America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Beneath this vibrant cultural success, South Korean society remains shaped by deeply rooted social expectations and pressures. The pursuit of excellence in education, career, and personal life often comes at a cost, contributing to high levels of stress, mental health struggles, and one of the highest suicide rates among OECD countries, particularly among young people. In response, many seek solace in nature, art, and personal retreats as a means of escape and healing.
Through the works of
Eun Yeoung Lee, Yelim Park, Jukhee Kwon, and
Vicky Kim,
Land of Morning Calm explores these themes of introspection and resilience. The artists draw inspiration from traditional Korean arts while reinterpreting materials and forms in contemporary practice. Their work offers a meditative counterpoint to the fast-paced currents of modern life, reflecting on nature, memory, and inner tranquility.