Korean artists keep it real at the CU Art Museum

Susan Froyd February 3, 2012 6:55AM

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Where is art happening? Many of the most contemporary trends are coming from urban Asia -- Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul -- where technology wraps itself around ancient aesthetics with bold results. There are plenty of Korean artists riding that wave, and eight of them are featured in Keeping It Real: Korean Artists in the Age of Multimedia Representation, a stunning exploration of the East-West cultural explosion that opened last night at the CU Art Museum in Boulder.

Come with your eyes wide open, but bring your shades, too: You might must need them. And if you want to go deeper into the modern mindset of Korean artists, plan to attend tomorrow's symposium from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., which includes talks by several of the individuals featured in this show.

The exhibit will remain on display through May 12; one of the artists, Sun K. Kwak, will create a site-specific installation for the show. Admission is free, though a donation of $5 is requested; for more information, visit the museum website or call 303-492-8300.

Here's a quick preview of some pretty mind-blowing work:

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Susan Froyd started writing for Westword as the "Thrills" editor in 1992 and never quite left the fold. These days she still freelances for the paper in addition to walking her dogs, enjoying cheap ethnic food and reading voraciously. Sometimes she writes poetry.

Contact: Susan Froyd

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