by Misik Kim
Korean masks have a long tradition with use in a variety of
contexts.
They
were used in war, on both soldiers and their horses; ceremonially,
for
burial rites in jade and bronze and for shamanistic ceremonies to
drive
away evil spirits; to remember
the
faces of great historical figures in death masks; and in the arts,
particularly
in ritual dances, courtly, and
theatrical plays. The present uses are as miniature masks for tourist
souvenirs, or on cell-phones
where
they hang as good-luck talismans.
There are
various kinds of Korean masks and performances
talchum is just one of dozens of styles of Korean masks.
And It
could be characterized as a Korean dance performed while wearing a mask,
miming,
speaking and even sometimes singing.
Many
different regions have their own unique forms of the art; in fact, some styles
belong
to a single small village.
The
masks range from fairly realistic to outlandish and monstrous. Some are large,
exaggerated circles. Others are oval, or even triangular, with long and
pointed chins.
Many of
the finest masks are carved from alder wood, The masks are attached to a hood of black
cloth, which serves to hold the mask in place, and also resembles hair.
I am so interested in Korean traditional masks for a long time.
I am trying to express them in my work.
