Mosan Art Museum
Boryeong, in Chungcheongnam-do, is a well-known production area for oseok (black granite) and inkstone. The name ‘oseok’ (烏石) is derived from its black color and the oseok produced in Nampo-hyeon, Boryeong, has long been considered the best of its kind. Since the oseok of Nampo is the only kind of sedimentary rock in the world, it does not break easily, very resistant to discoloration, and turns glossy like black glass when polished. When the stone is broken with a hammer or chisel, it produces various colors, from black to light gray, depending on the degree of impact it receives. The high density of the stone also prevents moss growth and makes it highly resistant to weathering. Depending on the degree of cutting, it produces diverse colors and its properties do not change. Therefore, it is used as the ideal material for tombstones and sculptural artworks. Created under the theme of oseok, the WCAS International Sculpture Symposium and Artist in Residence program allows participating artists to stay at the Mosan Art Museum during the residency to create art using different materials, by making various attempts. It also allows artists from different countries to exchange cultural and artistic insights on others’ artworks and get to know one another. During their creative processes, their work spaces are open to local students and residents to offer classes with the artists participating. In the second-floor studio, the artists’ creation processes and their work spaces are open after they have finished their works. The WCAS International Sculpture Residence program invites artists from all over the world, as well as citizens and students, to interact and share their artistic insights here at the Mosan Art Museum, in Boryeong. The artists can also interact with various local artistic groups and art students from the neighboring region and work with them in creative activities. In other words, the museum strives to provide an open cultural and art space and contribute to the revitalization of local culture and arts.
Seongju-myeon, Boryeong-si, in which the Mosan Art Museum is situated, is a major area for producing ‘oseok,’ which is also called the “oseok of Nampo,” and ‘cheongseok’ (bluestone). ‘Oseok’ is used as a tombstone material, while ‘cheongseok’ is used as an inkstone material. The stones produced here have been widely recognized for their top quality, which has contributed to the growth of the stone industry in the region. The name ‘oseok’ is derived from its black color, but because it can produce various colors depending on the processing method, it is a suitable material for tombstones and artistic sculptures. ‘Cheongseok’ is almost the same as ‘oseok’ but only has a dark blue color. Since it does not absorb water, it keeps ink from drying too fast once made into an inkstone. Its fine material also makes it easier to sculpt. Therefore, ‘Nampo inkstone’ whose lid is sculpted into various shapes was once the best kind of inkstone highly sought after by the "seonbi” (scholar) during the Joseon period.
Since its opening, the Mosan Art Museum has created its own original content called “Nampo Oseok,” and strives to help revitalize local arts and culture centering on this content. The museum discovers and nurtures local artists who bring their originality and devotion to their research works. Also, by instilling creativity in them, the museum supports and helps them to play a crucial role in the creation of a new culture and arts.
Furthermore, the museum is running the World Cultural Art Symposium (WCAS) and WCAS Mosan International Sculpture Residency Program, where artists are invited from both home and abroad to exchange their cultural and artistic insights and get to know one another. Through the program, the museum aims to disseminate the region’s local art and culture and become a center for the growth of local culture and arts, equipped with a global perspective and a competitive advantage.
We make sure that the efforts being made at the museum will ultimately allow the residents in this region, which can be considered a culturally underserved area, to enjoy a variety of cultural and artistic experiences and get to experience the products of global art and cultural trends.
