> KSI Zagreb participated in "Projekt Ilica: Q"ART" a renowned art event held in Zagreb, Croatia.

KroatiArt, a visual arts club at KSI Zagreb, displayed its works at Projekt Ilica: Q’ART (hereinafter “Q’ART”), which was held on the city’s center street of Ilica. Q’ART is a much loved art event in Zagreb, having first started more than 20 years ago in 2000. Local artists, associations, universities, artisans, as well as non-professional citizen artists come together for this famous event, where works of art are sold and musical performances are held. The members of KroatiArt, a visual arts club at KSI Zagreb, are passionate art lovers, among them future painters and design majors. They prepared for the event very enthusiastically, designing the logo and the name of the club all by themselves. KSI Zagreb was a big supporter of their project, providing them with supplies, including watercolor paints and Hanji, allowing them to freely explore Korean culture.

Thanks to the collaborative efforts, KroatiArt members were able to exhibit their works at Q’ART. Some of these works included a watercolor painting of tteokbokki, the go-to Korean street food, an oil painting of symbols of Korea and Seoul, as well as a calligraphy interpretation of a prologue written by the poet YUN Dong-Ju. Unique works of art, such as a collage representing a person dressed in a Hanbok made from ripped pieces of Korean paper, Hanji, as well as a piece that connected Korea and Croatia on a globe, were also featured at the event. Lana Maria Vasha, a Beginner 2B student, created a poster, postcard, and badge incorporating a harmonious union of the Korean alphabet and Glagoljica, Croatia’s ancient script. The work is a symbolic representation of the cultures of the two nations, spotlighted by combining the Korean alphabet and the ancient Slavic language Glagoljica, from which the present Croatian originated. The beautiful colors and harmonious design that emphasized the charm of the two alphabets captured the attention of my local visitors.

It was a meaningful occasion for both students and local residents alike, as they exchanged information and comments about the beauty of Korea, Korean paintings, and Hanji. Many showed great interest in Hanji and Hanbok, and the younger crowd seemed particularly drawn to the K-pop themed artworks. Seeing as many cultural exchange events are actively being organized as this year marks the 30th anniversary of Korea-Croatia diplomatic relations, KSI students participating at Q’ART held at the very center of Zagreb seemed to demonstrate added significance.