29~5.16 ‘Hyanggyeolcheongjeong’ themed exhibition at Jogyesa Temple’s Namu Gallery
A photo exhibition is being held that sublimates the mysterious sight of lotus flowers into art.
Photographer Lee Yong-ha, who has captured trees and birds with his camera for over 40 years, will be holding his first solo exhibition on the theme of ‘Fragrance and Cleanliness’ at the Jogyesa Temple Namu Gallery in Jongno-gu, Seoul from the 29th of this month to the 16th of next month.
This exhibition presents 30 photographs of lotus flowers taken every morning in the Yangsuri area of Gyeonggi Province over a period of two years.
Artist Lee Yong-ha explained that he composed it so that the spring, summer, fall, and winter of the lotus can be seen in one place like a panorama, so that people can feel the truths of the three dharma seals, which are the core of the Buddha’s teachings.
The exhibition theme, ‘Fragrance and Cleanliness,’ refers to the four virtues of the lotus flower: beautiful fragrance, nobleness, clarity, and cleanliness.
His masterpiece, ‘Paradise’, captures the breathtaking morning scenery of mist gently descending on lotus flowers covering the river at Rabbit Island in Neungnae-ri, Namyangju, Gyeonggi-do, drawing attention.
Artist Lee Yong-ha said, “While watching the lotus flower every morning without missing a single day, I came to the keen realization that ‘the life of the lotus flower is exactly the same as life. ‘” He added, “I opened this exhibition to capture the mysterious world demonstrated by the lotus flower and nature – impermanence, selflessness, return, reincarnation, and joy – with more people.”
The artist, who has mainly used pine trees and cranes as subjects for his works, has focused on lotus flowers after realizing that there is nothing to throw away. He plans to hold an exhibition of his works in the future, collecting images of mother birds bringing food to their chicks.
