ALPHONSE MUCHA
– Pioneer of Mordern Graphic Design
Alphonse Mucha is back in 3 years. His
pioneering artworks at modern graphic design are showing achievement and
splendor in Seoul, Korea.
The exhibition is composed of 6 sections based
on Mucha’s life cycle.
Prologue
– The making of Mucha Style
Alphonse M. Mucha was born in the town of
Ivancice, Moravia (Czech Republic). He painted religious paintings in his early
years. He had chance to go to high school with his musical talent, but he
didn’t give up his passion for drawing, relocated to Viennese theatrical design
company. In those days, his home country was controlled by Austria. When a fire
destroyed the theater, he lost his job, but during his career of portrait
painter, he received sponsorship of Karl Kuhen, he could have formal training
at the Munich Academy of Fine Arts.
Section 1, the display shows works of art
and family which Mucha was inspired. There are some Chinese ceramics and
Japanese artworks in the section. Interesting thing is, Mucha got inspiration
from Asian style when he was young as well as he had great influence at Korean
and Japanese manga artists after a century.
The
art of storytelling
Alphonse Mucha was a brilliant genius at
drawing lines. He designed comic strips of Czech satirical monthly, and
illustrations of famous magazines like Hearst’s International.
Section 2, shows versatile works of Mucha.
Visitors can feel ‘theatrical’, ‘narrative’ and ‘sequential’ expressions
represented by ‘Mucha style’.
The
Art of Advertising
Mucha moved to Paris in 1887. Christmas in
1894, he had a sudden and unexpected need for a new play’s poster. His poster
received tremendous acclaim from public, and its name is The Gismonda. He
signed a 6-year exclusive contract with Sarah Bernhardt. He also painted poster
of perfume company “Rodo”, and rail company “P.L.M Monaco-Monte Carlo” at those
days.
Section 3, shows glory days of Art Nouveau.
Visitors can appreciate masterpieces of Mucha, <The poster of Gismonda>, <Nestle
poster>, <Moet Chandon> and many ad-posters.
Picture
Maker for Ordinary People
Mucha believed that the art could
contribute to the better world. He thought that public should experience art
and artworks which were confined to the privileged class at those times. He produced
inexpensive artworks and supported various projects.
Section 4, visitors can experience Mucha’s pioneering
thoughts and works.
Beauty
– Inspiration for Lifestyle
Mucha’s world of art was essential for the rapidly
changing world situation. He devoted his life to make daily goods like package
designs, design handbooks and jewelry boutique.
Section 5, visitors can meet Mucha’s
efforts and design which improved the quality of life.
Epilogue
– The afterlife ‘le Style Mucha’
Mucha’s inspiration is not dead. His
halo-circles are still painted in a lot of romance comics. Many comic artists
borrow his dynamic lines. It’s been hundred years since Mucha died, but his
style and Art Nouveau is still alive in many artworks.
Section 6, shows works of Rhim Ju-yeon, Ko
Ya-sung, Choo Hye-yeon, and CLAMP. Visitors can explore the link between Mucha
and today’s manga artists.
Information
Venue:
Hangaram Art Museum 2nd floor, Seoul Arts Center
Date:
2016. 12. 03 – 2017. 03. 05
Hours:
Dec
– Feb: 11:00 – 19:00(Last admissions: 18:00)
Mar:
11:00 – 20:00(Last admissions: 19:00)
Enquiries:
02-6273-4242
Docent:
11:30, 14:00, 17:00(Weekdays only)
Audio
guides: \ 3000(Korean)
Admission:
Adult (19-64): \ 15,000
Youth (13-18): \ 10,000
Kid (7-12): \ 8,000
6 and Under: \ 5,000
Elder (65- ): \ 8,000
John J
