Whispering Silence: Han Sungpil & Leslie Reid

Han Sungpil, Face I, 2015, Chromogenic Print, 60 x 100cm

Whispering Silence: Han Sungpil & Leslie Reid
Korea-Canada Photographic Exhibition

July 19 – September 6, 2024
Opening Reception: Friday, July 19, 6-8pm | Register here
The KCC Gallery, Ottawa

Artist Talk: Saturday, July 20, 2-4pm | Register here
SPAO Centre, Ottawa

In commemoration of the designation of ‘2024-2025 Year of Korea-Canada Cultural Exchanges,’ the Korean Cultural Center Canada presents the Korea-Canada Photographic Exhibition Whispering Silence: Han Sungpil & Leslie Reid in the KCC Gallery from July 19 to September 6.

The two countries designated 2024-2025 as the ‘Year of Korea-Canada Cultural Exchanges.’ Last month, the cultural ministers of both nations, H.E. Minister Yu In Chon (Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Republic of Korea) and the Honourable Pascale St-Onge (Minister of Canadian Heritage), met in Ottawa and signed a memorandum of understanding for the operation of the ‘2024-2025 Korea-Canada Cultural Exchanges.’

The Whispering Silence: Han Sungpil & Leslie Reid exhibition showcases the efforts of Korea-Canada mutual cultural exchanges through photographic art.

Leslie Reid, In the Field: Kluane I, 2024, Triptych

Han Sungpil, a prominent photographer, introduces the geological beauty of the ancient volcanic landscape and rock formations in the northernmost Yeoncheon DMZ border area of South Korea. His work juxtaposes the potential risks of existence within the reality of the divided Korean Peninsula with hidden surreal landscapes. Additionally, the exhibition features two recent works capturing the aftermath of a large-scale wildfire in western Canada, where winter snow blankets the scorched land.

Renowned Canadian painter and photographer Leslie Reid focuses on the changing images of the Kluane icefield in Yukon, near the Alaska border, and the climate change research conducted by scientists in that region. “In looking at issues of displacement, fragility, refuge, survival and resilience, leading to hope and reconciliation, the images reveal the sharp poignancy of standing the moment.”

Through this exhibition, the KCC hopes that Korean and Canadian artists convey messages from nature through their artworks, seeking a future-oriented collaborative response and exploring the restoration of humanity.

Inquiries: Moonsun Choi, moonsunchoi@korea.kr

Korean Cultural Centre Canada (KCC)
150 Elgin Street, Unit 101
Ottawa, ON K2P 1L4

SPAO Centre
77 Pamilla Street
Ottawa, ON K1S 3K7