From December 2, 2024 to March 28, 2025, the Korea Cultural Center invites you to the exhibition „JJOKBIT: Indigo of Korea and Austria“ a. In collaboration with the National Intangible Heritage Center in Korea, the exhibition highlights the traditional indigo dyeing craft of Korea and Austria, which connects both countries and at the same time illustrates their intangible cultural heritage through their unique techniques.
Indigo dyeing technique: connecting tradition and cultural diversity
Indigo is the focus of the exhibition. Both countries have developed indigo dyeing techniques over centuries and used it as an expression of culture and tradition. The exhibition is divided into three main areas that emphasize both the connections and differences between the respective dyeing techniques:
1. The meeting of both Indigos
A symbolic media installation illustrates the cultural significance of indigo in Korea and Austria. The installation showcases the aesthetics and diversity that this color represents in both countries and invites visitors to visually experience the traditions of both cultures.
2. Austria’s Indigo: Blueprint
The focus of this section is blue printing, a traditional Austrian dyeing technique. Patterns are applied to fabric using printing stamps covered with reserve paste before it is dyed with indigo. Blaudruck is recognized as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage and is presented in the exhibition through works by renowned local masters such as Joseph and Miriam Koó from Original Indigo Blaudruck and Karl and Maria Wagner from Blaudruckerei Wagner. The exhibition also provides insights into the cultural environment of blue printing with presentations from the dyer’s museum and the dyer’s market in Gutau.
3. Koreas Indigo: „jjokbit“
The Korean dyeing technique “Yeomsaekjang,” based on the use of indigo obtained from the knotweed plant, is represented by artfully dyed textiles by Supreme Master Dyer Jung Kwan-chae (National Intangible Cultural Heritage of Korea). Visitors can also admire handcrafted objects by the other masters, showcasing the richness and diversity of traditional Korean indigo. The presentation is complemented by multimedia experiences and a video that clearly shows the dyeing process and illustrates the harmonious combination of craftsmanship and nature.
A cultural dialogue through Indigo
The exhibition “JJOKBIT: Indigo of Korea and Austria” not only shows the shared passion for the deep blue art of dyeing, but also the unique cultural diversity that characterizes this tradition. It invites visitors to experience the beauty and artisanal heritage of indigo and appreciate the importance of its preservation for future generations.
The exhibition is from December 2nd, 2024 to March 28th, 2025, from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Mon-Fri). Entry is free.
Vernissage of the exhibition
Datum: November 29, 2024, 6:00 p.m
Art: Exhibitions
Ort: Korea Cultural Center
Krugerstraße 1
1010 Wien
Austria