Traditional Buddha sculptures represent a certain kind of idealized form, which embodies the idea of compassion in certain times of the past. Mahayana Buddhism syncretized with Confucianism, Taoism, Korean Shamanism and Japanese Shinto as Buddhism spread to the East. Each syncretization gave birth to unique Buddhist art aesthetics. The transformation of Buddhist sculpture stopped [MU1] as the religion reached Far East. How does an artist reboot the transformation? This lecture will discuss Yoosamu’s journey to Jingdezhen, China to infuse contemporary aesthetics into the traditional Guanyin sculpture.

Biography:

Yoosamu is a contemporary Korean artist. His current research works are 1) exploring secret government documents and 2) investigating the culture of remakes and the transformation of tradition. Having a multidisciplinary background in visual art as both an artist and an art director, Yoosamu utilizes painting, sculpture, installation, film and K-POP music video in creating his works. His works were included in the 2015 Animamix Biennial at Daegu Art Museum in South Korea. He has received recognitions from Cannes Lions in France and The One Show in New York. Yoosamu is currently an MFA student at the Stamps School of Art & Design, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. To learn more about Yoosamu’s work, visit www.yoosamu.com.