Title: South Korea Commemorates 60th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations with the Holy See through Art Exhibition
Date: June 20, 2023
South Korea recently celebrated the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Holy See through a series of events, with a highlight being an art exhibition inspired by Pope Francis’ Laudato si encyclical. The exhibition, held at the 1898 Gallery in the Myeongdong district of Seoul, showcased modern artworks and images from the Holy See, emphasizing the importance of beauty in the world.
The exhibition, which will run until June 22, aims to strengthen the special relationship between South Korea and the Holy See. It was organized by the Catholic Artists Association (CAAS), a lay organization of the Archdiocese of Seoul, and marked their 50th annual exhibition. The event featured recent works by members of the Artists Association, as well as items from the collection of the Holy See Embassy in Korea, including a precious bronze crucifix in the chapel and two original bulls signed by Pope Paul VI in 1963 and 1966.
During the opening ceremony on June 14, Archbishop Alfred Xuereb, the Apostolic Nuncio to South Korea, conveyed Pope Francis’ greetings and blessings. He expressed his appreciation for the Korean artists’ dedication to promoting works of art, particularly those with religious themes, as a means of spreading the love of beauty and the good news of the Gospel. Archbishop Xuereb highlighted the significance of the exhibition in further strengthening the special relationship between South Korea and the Holy See.
Archbishop Schuereb, in his address, commended the artists for their work and the joy they bring to the world through their creations. He urged them to continue serving the world with love and professionalism, emphasizing the increasing need for beauty in today’s world.
The art exhibition, inspired by Laudato si’, not only commemorates the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and the Holy See but also serves as a platform for artists to evangelize through their art. It showcases the power of art to convey messages of beauty, spirituality, and the Gospel.
For more information about the exhibition, visit the Vatican News Network website at www.vaticannews.cn.
Overall, the art exhibition serves as a testament to the enduring relationship between South Korea and the Holy See, celebrating the 60 years of diplomatic ties through the universal language of art.
unesco art collection
E cultural ties between South Korea and the Holy See. It features artwork from both Korean and international artists, including paintings, sculptures, and installations, all centered around the themes of environment, sustainability, and social justice.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is a collection of paintings inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment, Laudato si. These beautiful works of art depict scenes of nature, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of environmental stewardship.
In addition to the visual art, the exhibition also includes multimedia installations and immersive experiences. Visitors can walk through a virtual forest, surrounded by the sounds of nature and the soothing voice of Pope Francis, as he reads excerpts from his encyclical. The aim is to create a sensory experience that conveys the message of Laudato si and encourages reflection on our role in caring for the planet.
The art exhibition serves as a platform to explore the shared values and concerns of South Korea and the Holy See. Both entities have expressed a commitment to promoting environmental sustainability and social justice. Through this collaboration, they hope to inspire individuals and communities to take action and create a more just and sustainable world.
This commemoration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and the Holy See not only highlights the importance of art in fostering cultural understanding and dialogue but also serves as a reminder of the values that unite us all. It reminds us of the interconnectedness of humanity and the responsibility we have towards our planet and future generations.
