Each piece of paper becomes a seagull, flying high in the sky. This is the world of Russia-born painter Vladimir Kush (b. 1965) in his work “Diary of Discovery.”

On his canvas, his fairy tale-like imagination creates a beautiful fantasy world. Unrealistic, even dreamlike pictures capture people’s attention. In his hands, a walnut becomes a couple kissing in the Garden of Eden. He makes a vase reborn as a gorgeous silhouette of a woman who looks outside the window, as if waiting for someone.

An exhibition showing his works, “World of Fantasy: Vladimir Kush,” has been held since December 23 at the Hangaram Art Museum at the Seoul Arts Center in Seocho-gu (district), Seoul.

Kush is known as a leading surrealist painter, following after Salvador Dali. He has been creating works of art with his own unique painting style, dubbed “metaphorical realism,” an invented word combining “real” and “metaphor.”

Visitors to his exhibition can see about 170 works of art, including well-known paintings, drawings, sculptures and limited edition jewelry items. The exhibition also has a replica of his studio and drawings where people can learn more about the background of his unique imagination.





The exhibition is composed of three parts: Unconsciousness, Desire and Fantasy. Some noticeable works include “Diary of Discoveries,” “Descent to Mediterranean,” “An Eye of a Needle,” “Walnut of Eden” and “Red Purse.”

The exhibition will run until April 5. The gallery is closed on the last Monday of each month. Admission is KRW 7,000 for children, KRW 9,000 for teenagers and KRW 12,000 for adults. More information is available at the exhibition's homepage. http://www.kushart.co.kr

By Yoon Sojung
Korea.net Staff Writer
Images: YJ Communication
arete@korea.kr