National Art Exhibition
A government-hosted exhibition held 30 times from 1949 to 1981, also known by the shorter name Gukjeon. Following national independence, the exhibition was the primary means for young and emergent Korean artists to achieve recognition. The influence of the exhibition declined as a result of the emergence of non-figurative art during the 1970s, the increased opportunities for artists to participate in overseas exhibitions, and the rise of private exhibitions and galleries.
Korean Calligraphy and Painting Association of Peers
An association formed by calligraphers and artists in September 1945, with the calligrapher Son Jaehyeong as chairman. The stated goal of the association was “to become one of the pillars on which to build a nation upon, and to contribute to national culture through social activism.” The association held the first Korean Painters and Calligraphers Exhibition at the Dong Hwa Gallery in April 1946. The second Joseon Painters and Calligraphers Exhibition was held at the Deoksugung Museum of Art in November 1948. Its membership comprised 60 artists including Oh Sechang, Kim Yongjin, An Jongwon, Kim Eunho, No Soohyeon, Lee Ungno, and Lee Sangbeom. Son Jaehyeong, the chairman, was a student of Kim Donhee, a celebrated calligrapher and four-time president of the Calligraphy and Painting Association [Seohwa hyeophoe]; and he served as a panel judge for the Joseon Art Exhibition during the Japanese colonial rule of Korea and once again for the Korean Art Exhibition after independence. He was a leading figure in the field of Korean calligraphy in the 20th century.