| |
November 21, 2003
The Spurlock Museum is proud to present Korean
Dolls: A Celebration of Life, an exhibit of mulberry paper dolls capturing
the character of rural life in mid-20th century Korea. The dolls on display
depict scenes from traditional chores, holidays, and weddings.
Award-winning artist Soon Oak Kim makes the dolls out of pieces of brilliantly
colored mulberry paper added layer by layer over a wire frame and secured
with wheat flour glue. Every detail of these charming scenes, from colorful
clothing to rosy cheeks, is made with paper. The artist’s daughter,
Heejung Kopisch, an Urbana resident, collaborated with Museum staff to
create the exhibit text.
The creation of these mulberry paper dolls adds to the long list of paper
crafts that have flourished in Korea since the 1400s. Over the years, hanji,
an all-natural paper made of the branches of mulberry trees, has been used
by members of all levels of society to create an amazing variety of items,
from stationery, flowers, lanterns, and kites to furniture, windows, and
armor.
The exhibit will be on display in the Museum lobby through March 31,
2004. To learn more about Korean
dolls at the Museum, please visit Korean
Dollmaking Demonstration. |
 |
|
A traditional musician helps celebrate holidays. |
 |
Children with lanterns light the procession of a wedding party. |
 |
 |
|
