The ancient Gaya confederacy, which once flourished in the southern Korean Peninsula, is being revisited through the lens of contemporary youth artists. Known for its advanced ironworking technology and refined earthenware culture, Gaya played a central role in regional maritime trade, leaving behind a fragmented yet compelling historical legacy.
The National Gaya Heritage Research Institute continues efforts to collect, study, and reinterpret this legacy. Since opening in September last year, the center has positioned itself not merely as an academic archive but as a cultural complex where the public can actively engage with history.
Extending this mission, the institute announced a new exhibition titled “Imaginary Excavation: Layers of Art,” running from May 7 to July 31 at the center’s first-floor lobby. The small-scale exhibition aims to activate the space while supporting emerging local artists, fostering a sustainable regional cultural ecosystem.
A total of nine young artists, including Kang Ha-kyung, Kwon Mi-jung, Kim So-yeon, Park So-eun, Seo Young, Lee Jae-rim, Lim Ye-ram, Choi Sun-hye, and Choi Han-jin, present 37 works. Drawing from the archaeological process of excavation and the stratified layers of time, they reinterpret these concepts through their own visual languages. The works range from paintings inspired by soil and fragmented artifacts to sculptural pieces that give form to imagined histories.
Interactive programs will also be held every Wednesday during the exhibition period. Visitors can participate in workshops with the artists to create personalized items such as cups and keyrings, with sessions scheduled at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
By foregrounding contemporary visual interpretations, the exhibition seeks to bridge the perceived distance between historical heritage and present-day audiences. Through the lens of imagination, the scholarly act of excavation is transformed into a creative process, offering visitors a renewed perspective on Gaya culture.
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
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