Modernism and Postmodernism in Contemporary Korean Art: Implications for Art Education Reform

This paper reports the findings of research into cross-cultural influences on Korean contemporary art and the artists’ aesthetic and cultural values and beliefs. Findings were that predominant Western influences during the Korean modern period have been American-Abstract Expressionism and Minimalism, but that these trends have been acculturated rather than assimilated; that Korean Modern Art continues to dominate the Korean fine art world since it is practised by very established artists and master-craftsmen; and the work of the younger less-established artists who are absorbing postmodern values, is more representational and eclectic stylistically, and sets out to convey messages and meanings about social problems in contemporary Korean life. The growing concern with Korean cultural identity is interpreted, in part, as a response to the demands of the international art market, but is represented through the artists’ use of traditional Korean content and processes, or pursuit of Korean metaphysical/philosophical ideals.