Paper power – Unique Korean paper art on showcase in Abuja

It was breathtaking seeing what the Koreans could do with paper – tables, chairs, TV stands, lamp holders and other exquisite household items. You could actually sit on them, they are that strong, even stronger as the Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Choi Jong Hyun said the paper craft are so strong it is difficult […]

It was breathtaking seeing what the Koreans could do with paper – tables, chairs, TV stands, lamp holders and other exquisite household items.

You could actually sit on them, they are that strong, even stronger as the Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Choi Jong Hyun said the paper craft are so strong it is difficult for bullets to penetrate.

He said even in Korea, Hanji, which is what the Koreans call the paper craft, is a rare art practiced by a few who have dedicated their lives to the art because of the level of skill and commitment involved. The art is labour intensive and eco friendly.

He said it is indeed a pleasure to share this unique Korean art with the people of Nigeria with the hope of promoting stronger cultural and diplomatic ties.

The Nigerian culture minister, Chief Edem Duke, who was represented by the ministry’s director of culture, Mr George Ufot said the he is amazed by the craft he had seen and could hardly believe it was made from paper. He commended the Koreans for their gestures of friendship and added that Nigeria too is making efforts to share its own unique arts and crafts to the world.

He also announced that the works featured at the Hanji exhibition will be showcased at the forthcoming Arts and Crafts Expo (AFAC) in June.

Mr. Ufot also took lessons in the craft as he was tutored by one of the featured artists, Chung Shin Ja. Under her tutelage Mr. Ufot helped decorate a lamp holder which when finished was turned on to applause by the guests, comprising art lovers and members of the diplomatic corps.

Speaking earlier, the Director of the KCCN, Mr Suh Jeon Sun said he has had a really wonderful time overseeing the centre since its inception in 2010 and said there is no better way to commemorate the second anniversary of the opening of the centre than to bring this unique art to Nigeria and allowing Nigerians appreciate the works for the next seven months, until December 2012.

Speaking to Sunday Trust, Choung Hye Yoon, one of the featured artists, who arrived from Korea for the exhibition, said she fell in love with the art from her mother and has now mastered the art after years of apprenticeship. She said the art is difficult to learn but it has given her so much pleasure.

Anne Akahara, a visitor to the exhibition expressed delight at the works she witnessed and marvelled at how they were created. She was practically speechless as she tried to sum up her sentiments about the exhibition.

“It is simply brilliant. I just don’t know quite how to describe these things. I am thoroughly amazed at how they do this,” she said. She also said it would be nice for Nigerian children to be trained in this craft so they could utilise the abundant resources available in the country to create greater things.

The exhibition runs until December at the KCCN at Rivers House, Central District, Abuja.