It's a dog's life for 'bull terrier' artist
Updated: 2015-01-16 08:45
By Li Qi(China Daily)
|
|||||||||
Bull terrier is a major source of inspiration for Korean artist Lee Seung-koo, who holds a show in Beijing. [Photo provided to China Daily] |
Korean artist Lee Seung-koo sees himself as a bull terrier.
He feels he can relate to the breed, which isn't considered adorable yet is clever, brave and loyal.
The artist has been infatuated with the species since he first encountered the dogs during a nighttime stroll along the Seine River.
"Homeless people were gambling over dogfights under a bridge," the 43-year-old recalls.
"I was impressed by the dogs' two faces-affectionate family pet and fierce fighter."
This inspired him to make the creature his installations' subject. He portrayed the canines with human teeth and facial expressions.
The Beijing-based artist gave these creatures his childhood nickname Ddinggu, which is a wordplay off his given name.
Dozens of ddinggu are displayed at Lee's ongoing solo exhibition at Parkview Green Art gallery. Each appears above Chinese captions written in chalk.
The caption beneath a dog lying on its back reads: "Honey, I'm (not) drunk!"
One for a puppy standing on an adult's back reads: "Dad, where are we going"-a reference to the eponymous Chinese reality TV show.
Lee explains the ddinggu represent his experiences "roaming" through South Korea, Germany and China.
After graduating with a degree in sculpting from Seoul's Chung-Ang University, he continued studying art in Germany, starting in 2003. There, he met his wife. The couple moved to her native Beijing seven years ago.
"I'm a Korean living in China. I talk to my wife mostly in German. I haven't been truly integrated into the local community in either Germany or China," he says.
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
Tale of two cities |
China's 2014 diplomacy |
CES: Connected cars trends to watch |
Kung fu star's son sentenced to six months in prison |
CES: Spotlight on Chinese gadgets |
95% of netizens disapprove of removal of cleavage scenes |
Today's Top News
Silicon Valley will mark Spring Festival
Beverly Hills rolls out red carpet for Chinese tourists
US rebound should lift China
Miami to China: Come see about us
Teens to face trial in killing of Chinese student
Chinese piece headlines Carnegie recital
Miami to China: Come see about us
US official lauds fight by China vs. graft
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |