By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo
The 27th World Peace Art Exhibition opened on Aug. 21 with a total of 1,250 artworks from 30 countries on display at the Maru Art Center Underground Special Hall in Insa-dong, Seoul.
The World Peace Art Exhibition, which is celebrating its 27th edition this year, is positioned as a unique art event that can flexibly develop discourses on the environment, ecology, life, civilization, society, science, and thought based on its unique environment.
The 27th World Peace Art Exhibition Prize Award Ceremony, which is held annually with the aim of contributing to the promotion of world peace and international exchange through art and culture, was held on Aug. 22 at Maru Art Center in Insa-dong, Seoul, with the participation of organizers, many domestic and foreign guests and artists, including Chairman Lee Jon-young of the Organizing Committee of the World Peace Art Exhibition, Chairman Chun Hang-sub of the Steering Committee of the World Peace Art Exhibition, and Chairman of the Jury Kwon Gyeong-ae.
Among more than 300 guests at the gala event were Amb. Federico Alberto Cuello Camilo of the Dominican Republic; Mrs. Natalia Federighi de Cuello, president of ASAS (The Association of Spouses of Ambassadors in Seoul) and spouse of the ambassador of the Dominican Republic; Paul Fernando Duclos Parodi, Ambassador of Peru; Begench Durdyyev, Ambassador of Turkmenistan; and Andrew Chernetsky, Ambassador of Belarus.
Delivering his opening remarks, Chairman Lee Jon-young said, “As in previous years, many artists have participated in this year's competition, and we are honored that our artists' dreams of world peace are being realized. The colors of the rainbow on their canvases are like songs of the heart that heal the wounds of war.
“Our artists are spreading the fragrance of peace to the world through the flowers that bloom at the tip of their brushes. Beyond the boundaries of nations and peoples, your artwork is the hope of a united humanity, and like a star shining in the darkness, you are illuminating the bright path to peace through the power of art. At that moment when the hearts and minds of all people are connected, we will all experience unity.”
Chairman Lee continued to say, “For the past 27 editions, the World Peace Art Exhibition has been a stage of love and unity, where stories of love and unity among all nations have been danced. The journey to fulfill the dream of peace continues with artists singing their souls. We are honored to participate in this art exhibition that aspires to peace through art.”
“Artists from various countries and ethnicities have been gathering to communicate and empathize with each other through their artwork, making it a place of civil diplomacy.”
He continued, “The colorful works of the artists are more than just artistic expressions, they carry the longing for peace in their hearts, and your works will help heal the wounds of war and convey a message of hope for a better future. As such, art and culture have played an important role in connecting people across national boundaries and illuminating the path to peace.”
“The World Art Exhibition for Peace is an important stage to realize the wish of humanity united through art, and through the works of artists, we can walk together on the path to fulfill the dream of peace. We are filled with pride that we can walk together on the path to fulfill the dream of peace.”
Chairman Lee added, “As we all admire the works of the artists, we can see that their dreams of world peace are giving hope and courage to many people, and we will continue to share the journey for world peace and human unity until the day when their efforts come to fruition.”
Delivering congratulatory message, Mrs. Natalia Federighi de Cuello, President of ASAS, said, “On behalf of ASAS, the Ambassadors’ Spouses Association in Seoul, I extend my very best wishes for the success of this 27th Art Exhibition, the theme of which is so important for all: World Peace.”
She added, “I would like to reiterate my best wishes for the success of this exhibition and for our continued collaboration in the months ahead so that, together, we can work incessantly for the world peace we need, in these times of uncertainty, global challenges and unnecessary conflicts.
In his congratulatory remarks, Paul Fernando Duclos Parodi, Ambassador of Peru, said, “It is both an honor and a pleasure to extend my congratulations to Diplomacy Journal for organizing this unique exhibition and to express my gratitude for the kind invitation. We should recognize this event as a valuable platform for fostering connection, communication, and understanding between our peoples through the universal language of art. Through such exchanges, traditions and history are kept alive, and the wisdom of the past continues to thrive.’
He continued to say, “We are delighted to have contributed to this exhibition by sharing photographs of some of Peru's UNESCO World Heritage sites. We also look forward to the special exhibition on the Amazon Basin that will be inaugurated in this gallery next September, thanks to the unwavering dedication of Chairman Lee.”
“As you may know, Peru currently holds the presidency of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum, and we eagerly anticipate the visit of President Yoon Suk-yeol to Lima this November. Korea will then assume this role in 2025, further strengthening the bonds between our nations.”
He added, “I am confident that this exhibition will be a great success, bringing joy, fostering mutual understanding, and building friendship among all visitors and participants.”
The overall grand prize (Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Award) went to Kang Moa (Folk Painting), and the category grand prizes (Seoul Mayor's Award and Chairman's Award) went to Cho Kyung-sun (Folk Painting), Kim Young-ok (Western Painting), Joo Eun-young (Western Painting), and Oh Yoon-hee (Korean Painting) and Cho Jin-won (Calligraphy). They will receive a certificate and a purchase cash prize.
The 550 selected works out of 1,250 entries were exhibited from August 21 to 26, 2024, in a special exhibition hall on the basement floor of Insa-dong Maru Art Center in Seoul.
The World Peace Art Exhibition Organizing Committee announced that a total of 1,250 artworks were submitted for the 27th World Peace Art Exhibition during the application period of July 5 to 10.
The World Peace Art Exhibition is an annual event that collects and exhibits various works on the theme of peace and art, and is now in its 27th year.
This year's exhibition showcased a wide range of works by artists from around the world on the theme of peace and harmony, and was judged fairly and according to strict standards by prestigious judges from the art world.
Several winning works, including the overall grand prize and the grand prizes in each category, were recognized for their high artistic value and message of peace.
“The exhibition is a valuable reminder of the importance of peace and the potential of art to bring the world together. We look forward to welcoming many visitors to see the various works with messages of peace and feel the artists' passion for creating,” said Chairman Damwha Lee Jon-young of Diplomacy Journal.
