Because many works–particularly paintings and textiles–are light sensitive and can be displayed only for about six months every five years, works are regularly rotated from storage into the museum’s collection galleries on the second and third floors. While browsing in the galleries, look for the many artworks throughout the collection marked with a blue “Newly on view” circle on the label. There’s always something new to see at the Asian Art Museum.

Self-Container No. 4, 2004. By Youn Soonran (Korean, born 1967). Hemp, fiber-reactive dye, gold spray paint, synthetic thread, stainless-steel rod. Lent by Youn Soonran

Newly on view in Gallery 23

Contemporary Korean Fiber Art:

March 18–July 12, 2009

Fiber art has its origins in the making of practical items such as clothing, bedding, wrapping cloths, sitting mats, and other household articles using such organic materials as textile, paper, or wood. According to tradition, functionality had to be paired with ornamentation.

Like others in the field of contemporary Korean fiber art, the six artists — Kim Jeeun, Kwon Hyuk, Lee Chunghie, Oh Soonhee, Youn Soonran, and Yang Sang-hoon — whose works are displayed have transformed into modern expressions the materials and techniques used in traditional Korean crafts. They have combined materials such as hemp fiber, ramie, silk, and mulberry paper with synthetic fabrics, stainless steel, and spray paint. These artists employ knotting (maedeup), papermaking, the patchwork technique (jogakpo) of wrapping cloths, and other traditional methods along with their own innovative means.

These inspired works have been graciously lent by the artists and transported from the Republic of Korea with generous funding from the Korea Foundation.

Display of the museum's collection is made possible by Bank of America.