▲ This Yonhap file photo shows South Korean master wood sculptor Heo Gil-ryang, former holder of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage title for Buddhist wood sculpture, carving a wood sculpture. (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Oct. 10 (Yonhap) -- Master wood sculptor Heo Gil-ryang, former holder of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage title for Buddhist wood sculpture, will hold his fourth solo exhibition starting next week, the event's organizer said on Friday. 

 

The 72-year-old artisan's exhibition is set to run from Oct. 15 to 21 at Gallery 1 of the Sejong Museum of Art within the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul.

 

Titled “Heavenly Beings Awakened from the Wood of Birch and Pine,” the exhibition will showcase the culmination of Heo’s lifelong dedication to Buddhist wooden sculpture. 

 

The exhibition will feature about 30 works, including some 20 statues of flying celestial beings (Bicheon), as well as representations of Maitreya in contemplation, Bodhisattvas, and the Three Buddhas.

 

 

▲ This Yonhap file photo shows the wooden flying celestial being, created by South Korean master wood sculptor Heo Gil-ryang, former holder of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage title for Buddhist wood sculpture, carving a wood sculpture. (Yonhap)

 

Having begun carving at the age of 15, Heo has devoted 57 years to the art of Buddhist wood sculpture, contributing to the creation of Buddha statues for temples across the country, including those at Odaesan’s Jungdaebogung Shrine.

 

“Buddha statues are meant to be read,” Heo said. “I hope this exhibition will serve as an opportunity for visitors to share in the true meaning of Buddhist art.”

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