Special Exhibition commemorating the 120th Year of Korean immigration to the US: SIKGU

Sammy Seung-Min Lee | Miran Lim Lee

- Special Exhibition commemorating the 120th Year of Korean immigration to the US: SIKGU

- Date: June 9(Friday) - July 14(Friday), 2023

- Opening Reception: Friday, June 9, 2023 / 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM

*Opening Register:Opening Register

- Gallery Open Hour: Monday - Friday, 10:00AM - 5:00PM

- Location: KCCLA Art Gallery (2nd Floor) / 5505 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036

- Exhibition Presenter: Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles (KCCLA)

- Guest Curator: Hyonjeong Kim Han

- Artists: Sammy Seung-Min Lee, Miran Lim Lee

- More information: Tammy Cho at 323-936-3014

Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles (KCCLA, Director Sangwon Jung) proudly presents the Special Exhibition commemorating the 120th Year of Korean immigration to the United States, SIKGU (식구), which will open with a reception at the Korean Cultural Center Art Gallery (located at 5505 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036) from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, June 9, 2023.

Sikgu (식구) is a Korean word for family, but it encompasses a deeper concept. 'Sik' can be translated as eating, and 'gu' means mouth. Therefore, sikgu literally refers to family members or groups of very close people who share meals and embrace the same food culture. In Korean society, food often holds more significance than mere consumption. The two artists in the exhibition have distinct immigration stories. Miran Lee arrived in the States 13 years ago as a mother and wife, while Sammy Lee came to Los Angeles more than 30 years ago as a high school student to pursue art studies.

In her two works in this exhibition, Sammy Seung-Min Lee explores the diverse food cultures of different ethnic groups, delving into the realms of memories and yearnings through table settings. Sikgu members, culturally connected beyond genetic ties, cherish shared emotions, feelings, and care.

Miran Lim Lee's artwork, Did You Eat, I Love You! sheds light on the Korean sentiment that feeding others or even asking whether being fed is an expression of love and care. Within her numerous Habitat works, one can contemplate the love and care that can exist within a home and question the differences between houses and homes.

This exhibition is presented by the Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles to commemorate the 120th Year of Korean immigration to the United States.

The exhibition is open to the public, and the show will run until July 14th, 2023.