Resonance of 'Mutual Growth', Traditional and Healing Sounds, Singing Bowl Meditation

The Jeollabuk-do Intangible Cultural Heritage artisan Lee Jong-deok's exhibition, "Mutual Growth," will be held from July 22 to August 7 at the Seohae Art Museum in Seosan, Chungcheongnam-do.

This exhibition, hosted by the Seohae Art Museum, goes beyond the beauty of traditional crafts to offer a special experience that combines the profound philosophical meaning of 'mutual growth,' healing, and meditation.

In particular, a "Singing Bowl Meditation Program" will be conducted, allowing participants to directly experience the deep and clear resonance of singing bowls made from Bangja bronze.

Hailing from Buyeo, Lee Jong-deok is a leading artisan in South Korea who crafts Bangja bronze by alloying 78% copper and 22% tin, then subjecting it to thousands of hammering processes to produce a solid and clear sound. Through a variety of Bangja bronze works imbued with the master's spirit, visitors can encounter the deep history and beauty of our traditional crafts at this exhibition.

Moreover, this exhibition revolves around the profound theme of 'mutual growth.' 'Mutual growth' signifies an interaction where individuals inspire, illuminate, and help each other's lives beyond mere coexistence. Master Lee Jong-deok explains that the production of Bangja bronze is also based on the principle of mutual growth in the five elements, conveying a profound message that without each 'mutual' entity considering one another, neither this land, life, nor resonance can exist.

Within the exhibition space, 14 core words emerging from the flow of 'mutual growth' guide visitors through the artist's deep contemplation and craftsmanship embodied in Bangja bronze sculptures. These words, such as 'mutual,' 'embrace,' 'coexistence,' 'conclusion,' 'heart,' 'harmony,' 'axis,' 'breath,' 'connection,' 'origin,' 'harmony,' 'cycle,' 'blossom,' and 'variation,' offer new resonance through the meanings they hold within the artworks.

Furthermore, beyond mere observation, the exhibition provides an opportunity for visitors to directly strike Bangja bronze works, experiencing the sound and vibration. Through this, visitors can perceive the physical and mental characteristics of Bangja bronze through all senses, enhancing their understanding of traditional crafts and the meaning of 'mutual growth.'

Additionally, during the exhibition period, the well-received 'Singing Bowl Meditation Program,' led by Lee Jong-deok's eldest daughter, Lee Sol-a, will be held during the Seohae Art Museum's Saturday music concerts (every Saturday at 3 p.m.). The deep and clear resonance of singing bowls made from Bangja bronze is expected to offer a time for modern individuals fatigued by daily life to reflect and find relaxation amidst the museum's natural surroundings.

Lee Jong-deok expressed, "Bangja bronze is a metal created according to the principle of mutual growth in the five elements, where iron and fire, water and wind, earth sustain and lead each other, approaching as one resonance. Through this process, one encounters a deep connection between humans and nature, physicality and spirituality." He added, "In this exhibition, following the flow of 'mutual growth,' I have imbued contemplation and craftsmanship that lingered with each of the 14 words into Bangja bronze sculptures."

The exhibition is open for viewing from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays.