▲ Artist Mangap Huh

Back in the 60s when South Korea was struggling economically, around 20,000 miners and nurses were sent to Germany to earn money. They were received as one of those who contributed to the Miracle of the Han River. Marking the 50th anniversary of sending them to Germany last year, artist Mangap Huh showcased his work themed on the life of Korean miners in the foreign land.

Capturing the era of development

The commemoration exhibition to mark the 50th anniversary was held in Gwanghwamun, September last year. Many photos, paintings and relics were displayed. Being asked to make a work symbolizing the anniversary, artist Huh set out a research with help of 20 related organizations, put up a brush, and made a work as requested. Most of the canvas is the Korea miners taking a break during the labor with Korean alphabet here and there, Korean shacks and apartments in the upper part of the painting, and the 63 Building and a Mercedes entering the Namsan Tunnel.

There is no place like home!

Huh is the head of landscape painting division of the Korean Fine Arts Association Yongin office. He paints mostly about countryside such as rice fields, farm houses, orchards, roads around rice mills, stonewalls, slate and tin roofs, hayfields and grist mills. His brushwork is simple and clear and is full of vitality and will to live. Born and bread, he loves Yongin more than any other cities in the nation. According to him, Yongin receives the sunshine the most in the nation which made him enchanted by the brilliant sceneries. Watching his works, you might feel a sense of comfort and peace and you want to slow down your life. Huh has had 19 solo exhibitions and around 700 group exhibitions. He received numerous prizes including artist prizes and Yonin Citizen’s Prize in the cultural category.