By Diplomacy Journal Jon Lee  | In commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Philippines-Korea diplomatic relations, a solo exhibition by the famous Filipino artist Lenore RS Lim was held from May 1 to 6 at Maru Art Center in Insa-dong Seoul.

 

The solo exhibition, which was organized by the Embassy of the Philippines in Korea and supported by Diplomacy Journal, was held under the title of “Interwoven Horizons.”

 

 

More than 100 guests, including H.E. Ambassador Carlos Penafiel of Mexico in Seoul and his spouse, Mrs. Regina Flores Chuzeville, and Baek Soo-mi, chairperson of Hansae Yes24 Foundation, participated in the reception held at Maru Art Center on May 2.

 

Delivering a welcome message, Ambassador Theresa Dizon-de Vega of the Philippines in Seoul said, “It is truly an honor for us to have you all here for this afternoon’s Artist’s Reception with renowned Filipino artist Ms. Lenore RS Lim. 

 

“On the inside cover of her 2005 book “Profound Afterglow: The Prints of Lenore RS Lim” Agnes Gund, former Chairperson and President Emerita of the Museum of Modern Art in New York is quoted as saying “Rarely does one in the art world have the opportunity to discover an artist who is as pure and as talented as Lenore RS Lim.” Such worthy praise is on display today in Seoul.” 

 

 

Amb. Dizon-de Vega said, “I have known Lenore for many years and have seen her exhibitions at the Philippine Center and in other venues in New York and in galleries in Manila. I have sadly not been able to view her recent exhibition at the National Museum in the Philippines. But it is with great pride and honor that we are able to share with art enthusiasts and artists in Korea this month a small sample of her exquisite work.”

 

She added, “We wanted to share Lenore’s unique talent as a proudly Filipino artist in this special year for Philippines-Korea relations. A 75-year partnership forged in blood and sacrifice but also buoyed by the special people-to-people relations and connections made through arts and culture.”

 

Meanwhile, Artist Lenore RS Lim said in special remarks, “I am deeply honored to be here today, at the invitation of the Philippine Embassy and with the support of Diplomacy Journal, to mark the 75th year of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Korea and the Republic of the Philippines.

 

 

“I am particularly humbled that, through my art, I am able to participate in celebrating a truly wonderful relationship between our two nations and people. This relationship has been forged with blood, sweat, and tears, in our common desire to be free, democratic, and prosperous.”

 

In response, Chairman Lee Jon-young of Diplomacy Journal said in congratulatory remarks, “This exhibition is organized by the Embassy of the Philippines in Korea, and I am sure that our art lovers will remember this exhibition as a historic event that marks the new development of our two countries as an 'Alliance in Action'.

 

“Above all, we believe that cultural exchange through art is the best form of people-to-people exchange that is independent of politics, religion, and language, and a great opportunity to promote your country's art.”

 

 

Chairman Lee added, “Therefore, we will promote all cultural art exchange exhibitions not only in the Philippines but also in other countries around the world that have diplomatic relations with Korea to raise the status of artists and promote the country's art and culture.”

 

This special art exhibition, themed "Shining Philippine-South Korean Relations Through Art," commemorates and celebrates the rich cultural and diplomatic ties between the Philippines and South Korea that span 75 years.  

 

The captivating exhibition showcased renowned artist Lenore RS Lim's mesmerizing portrayal of the strong bilateral relationship through her silkscreen prints, etchings, and abstract works.

 

 

The exhibition takes the viewers on a visual journey through Lim's soulful renderings of landscapes, flowers, and abstract realms. Each piece represents a different thread in the dynamics of the Philippines-South Korea relationship, symbolizing the profound and diverse aspects of the long-standing bilateral relationship.

 

Lim's silkscreen prints and etchings capture and beautifully express the natural splendor and cultural heritage of both countries, emphasizing their shared history and mutual appreciation for art and aesthetic beauty.

 

As visitors explore the exhibition, they will be immersed in an enchanting fusion of color, texture, and emotion. Lim's landscapes evoke harmony and tranquility, transporting the viewers to an idyllic landscape. Her depictions of floral works celebrate beauty and vitality, and reflect the shared appreciation for the natural wonders of the Philippines and South Korea. 

 

 

The abstract works offer a glimpse into the artist's interpretation of the intangible characteristics between the Philippines and South Korea, and invite viewers to reflect on the deeper connections that transcend borders.

 

"Interwoven Horizons” is a testament to the enduring power of art as a global language that connects cultures and fosters mutual understanding. Through Lim's extraordinary artistic talent and ability to capture the heart of the Philippine-South Korean relationship, the exhibition will serve as a unique platform for understanding the shared history, artistic expression, and cultural exchange that has shaped the dynamic bilateral relationship,” Chairman Lee added.

 

 

Welcome message by Ambassador Theresa Dizon-de Vega

 

Ms. Lenore RS Lim and her spouse Mr. Didi Lim
Chairman Lee Jon-Yoong of Damwha Media Group
Excellencies,
Dear Guests,

 

Mabuhay. Annyeong Hashimnikka. It is truly an honor for us to have you all here for this afternoon’s Artist’s Reception with renowned Filipino artist Ms. Lenore RS Lim. 

 

On the inside cover of her 2005 book “Profound Afterglow: The Prints of Lenore RS Lim” Agnes Gund, former Chairperson and President Emerita of the Museum of Modern Art in New York is quoted as saying “Rarely does one in the art world have the opportunity to discover an artist who is as pure and as talented as Lenore RS Lim.” Such worthy praise is on display today in Seoul. 

 

 

I have known Lenore for many years and have seen her exhibitions at the Philippine Center and in other venues in New York and in galleries in Manila. I have sadly not been able to view her recent exhibition at the National Museum in the Philippines. But it is with great pride and honor that we are able to share with art enthusiasts and artists in Korea this month a small sample of her exquisite work. 

 

Lenore has made print-making her preferred medium, an unusual choice in some people’s view but one where her artistic gifts are on full display. Using both natural and human-made objects, the emerging works are imbued with delicacy, detail, texture, and most interestingly plays on abstraction and color. 

 

We wanted to share Lenore’s unique talent as a proudly Filipino artist in this special year for Philippines-Korea relations. A 75-year partnership forged in blood and sacrifice but also buoyed by the special people-to-people relations and connections made through arts and culture. 

 

 

I also want to mention that Lenore’s beloved spouse Jose “Didi” Lim is on a sentimental journey to Seoul having lived here during his childhood when his father was assigned as a diplomat in the early years of our relations just after the Korean War. 

 

Our sincerest thanks to Chairman Lee Jon-Yong and the Damwha Media Group who continue to support artistic exchanges between countries, our dear guests for gracing this event, and most of all Lenore for always gladly and generously sharing her artistic vision around the world. 

Thank you. Salamat. Gamsahamnida.

 

 

Special remarks by Artist Lenore RS Lim

 

I am deeply honored to be here today, at the invitation of the Philippine Embassy and with the support of Diplomacy Journal, to mark the 75th year of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Korea and the Republic of the Philippines.

 

I am particularly humbled that, through my art, I am able to participate in celebrating a truly wonderful relationship between our two nations and people. This relationship has been forged with blood, sweat, and tears, in our common desire to be free, democratic, and prosperous.

 

Above all, the deep connection between Korea and the Philippines over the past 75 years has grown not only through government-to-government interactions but, more importantly, through people-to-people experiences. With thousands of Koreans making their home in the Philippines and thousands of Filipinos choosing to live and work in Korea, our lives have been woven into a beautiful cultural tapestry. This is what we are proud of and celebrate today.

 

Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Her Excellency Maria Theresa Dizon, Cultural Officer Anthony Cornista, and the Diplomacy Journal for making this art exhibit a reality. Through their efforts, they have reinforced the power of art and culture in fostering good will and understanding amongst people.

 

 

Congratulatory remarks by Chairman Lee Jon-young of Diplomacy Journal

 

On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and the Philippines, I would like to congratulate renowned Filipino visual artist Lenore R. Lim on her solo exhibition at the Maru Art Center.

 

This exhibition is organized by the Embassy of the Philippines in Korea, and I am sure that our art lovers will remember this exhibition as a historic event that marks the new development of our two countries as an 'Alliance in Action'.

 

I would also like to thank H.E. Maria Theresa B., Dizon de Vega, Ambassador of the Philippines to Korea, and Cultural Attaché Anthony Cornista for hosting the exhibition here at the Maru Art Center as an alliance between Korea and the Philippines.

 

 

Above all, we believe that cultural exchange through art is the best form of people-to-people exchange that is independent of politics, religion, and language, and a great opportunity to promote your country's art.

 

Therefore, we will promote all cultural art exchange exhibitions not only in the Philippines but also in other countries around the world that have diplomatic relations with Korea to raise the status of artists and promote the country's art and culture.

 

In closing, I would like to thank H.E. Amb. Maria Theresa B. Dizon De Vega, Cultural Officer & Attache Anthony Cornista, and the artist Lenore R.S. Lim for making this exhibition possible.

 

Artist Profile

 

Lenore RS Lim was born into a family of lawyers in 1946. She initially pursued a career as an art educator after graduating from the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Fine Arts in 1967. Throughout her career, she taught at prestigious institutions such as the International School in Manila and the United Nations International School in New York. 

 

Her dedication to art education led her to serve as the secretary of the Philippine Art Educators Association and become an art resource teacher in Alabama before relocating to Canada in 1975. In 1985, she established the Filipino Music and Art Foundation BC, supporting aspiring Filipino artists. Alongside her husband, she raised two accomplished children, instilling in them values of leadership and empowerment. Transitioning to a career as an artist in the 990s, Lim's work seamlessly blends traditional printmaking techniques with innovative technology.

 

She has been the recipient of numerous accolades throughout her career. In 1999, Lim received a prestigious grant from the Pollock-Krasner Foundation NY, recognizing her exceptional talent. Her contributions to the arts were further acknowledged in 2004 when she was honored with the Presidential Award, Pamana ng Pilipino Award. 

 

In 2007, Lim's outstanding achievements in Fine Arts earned her the distinguished Outstanding Professional Award from the University of the Philippines Alumni Association. Additionally, in 2009, she was recognized as one of the "100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the US" by the Filipinas Women's Network, solidifying her significant impact and influence in the artistic community.

 

Lim's contributions to the art community extend beyond her own practice. She has organized exhibitions, conducted workshops, and tirelessly advocated for Filipino artists both locally and internationally. Despite her multifaceted roles as a mother, wife, grandmother, educator, entrepreneur, and art collector, Lim's commitment to artistic excellence and cultural development remains unwavering. Through her extensive body of work and dedication, she continues to inspire and uplift artists in the Philippines and beyond.