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tightrope fly
Poet Cheonggang Heo Tae-gi
a butterfly
dance on a single rope
The sound of the janggu, the sound of the gong, the sound of the trumpet, crossing the sky
Take one step at a time to the beat
My chest is barely tight
ride the rope
Interspersed humor actually says
Applause pours in for your speaking skills.
paris france
Louis Vuitton Museum of Art
green grass square
Came from far away Korea
a clown butterfly
Dancing on a single rope
Steals the soul of Parisian.
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Literary critic Cheongram Kim Wang-sik
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Poet Heo Tae-gi has devoted his entire life to artistic exploration and expansion of his emotional world view. His poetry is excellent at expressing Korean emotions through traditional media and modern sensibilities.
This poem, “Tightrope Walking in Paris,” is based on the poet’s life and world of work and depicts Korea’s traditional tightrope walking as an artistic symbol in an unfamiliar space called a square in Paris, France. Through this poem, the poet uniquely expresses the globalization of Korean culture and connects the harmony of East and West through visual images and emotions.
“A butterfly
“I dance on a single rope.”
The tightrope walker Nabi is not just an acrobat, but the poet’s alter ego. This butterfly dances on a string with light yet delicate movements, symbolizing the balance and harmony of art. The symbol of the butterfly reveals human fragility and at the same time the intense vitality within it.
“The sound of the janggu, the sound of the gong, and the sound of the trumpet are crossing the sky.”
The sound of the rhythm is the soul of Korean tradition. Through the image of sound, the poet makes the rhythm of the Korean Peninsula resonate all the way to the skies of Europe. This rhythm is not just a sound, but a medium that conveys cultural ties and artistic identity.
“One step at a time, to the beat
My chest is barely tight
“Ride the line”
The tension on the single rope is a metaphor for the process of artistic creation or life itself. The poet captures the creator’s fear and joy as he moves forward step by step. This creates sensory empathy in the reader.
“In fact, there is humor in between
“There is a lot of applause for your speaking skills.”
Humor is an important emotion in Korean art. The poet mixes humor and verbal dexterity in the tightrope walking movement, depicting human charm that transcends simple acrobatics. This shows the power of cultural communication.
“Paris, France
Louis Vuitton Museum of Art
“Green Grass Square”
The Louis Vuitton Museum, a global art center, serves as a poetic backdrop and symbolizes the moment when Korean art shines on the world stage. The poet transcends the boundaries of time and space and combines Korean tradition with the modern Western environment.
“I flew in from far away Korea.
“One Clown Butterfly”
The clown butterfly is a metaphor for Korean sentiment and is depicted as a being that dances on a single rope and fascinates people around the world. This represents the poet’s pride and tribute to Korean culture.
“Dancing on a single rope and stealing the soul of Parisians.”
Dance is not simply a movement, but is described as an act that transcends artistic boundaries and captures the soul. This intuitively shows the power and charm of Korean tradition.
“The tightrope fly” is a poem that showcases poet Heo Tae-gi’s artistic identity and pride in Korean culture on a global stage. The symbols of the butterfly and single string function as symbols of artistic tension and harmony, and all elements of the poem form a harmonious and organic flow.
In particular, the combination of traditional images and global spaces made possible a modern reinterpretation of Korean art. The poet’s delicate language and powerful symbols allow readers to feel the soul of Korea even in unfamiliar places.
This is a work that goes beyond simple artistic depiction and captures Korea’s identity and its possibilities, and is a culmination of the artist’s unique sense and expression.
ㅡ Cheongnam
Dies to start conversations within the group.
1. Can you share your thoughts on the symbolism in the poem “Tightrope Walking in Paris”? How do the symbols of the butterfly and single rope represent the balance and harmony of art?
2. The poem is set in France, but it showcases Korean culture. What role does humor play in connecting different cultures through art?
3. The poet refers to himself as the “clown butterfly.” How does this self-identification reflect the artist’s relationship with his or her work?
4. The poem talks about the artist’s emotional journey, from fear to joy. How does this translate into the artistic process?
5. The Louis Vuitton Museum of Art is a global institution that serves as a backdrop for the poem. What does it mean for Korean art to be showcased in this setting, and how does it contribute to the country’s identity on the world stage?
