February Issue

Hey, our first issue of the year is out and it is a great one. WordPress won’t allow us to embed it any longer. But not to worry. You can click on the cover art below to view our latest issue.

A Pleasant (And Crafty) Surprise On Bus Street

As you might have picked up by now, us [b]racket folk love to promote artists living in Korea. We recently stumbled upon a store in downtown Daegu that is doing just that. Social Market opened its doors less than two months ago and is full of handmade crafts and unique pieces from artists throughout Korea. As I was browsing today I was kicking myself for not making it to this place before Christmas! I spotted loads of small pieces that would have made perfect gifts. The work for sale includes small art prints, handmade jewelry and bags, pottery, cards, and countless other handcrafted items. I recommend ordering a coffee at the counter and moseying upstairs to the loft to flip through their selection of art books and magazines.

I picked up two small prints from artist Gwon Soojeong for (get ready for it) 3,000 won (WHAT?? I thought it was a mistake. It was not.) I had to stop myself from buying a SICK handmade bag because I have too many bags–but if we’re being totally honest I’ll go back and get it this weekend because can you really have too many awesome bags?

In addition to selling unique items Social Market is also holding crafting events throughout the month of January. Check out the schedule of classes and directions below.

Making A Grain Hand Warmer by Titisae
Jan. 11th (Sat) @ 2PM
12,000won (including material fee)

Making A Dream Catcher by Yudali
Jan. 18th (Sat) @ 6PM
30,000won (including material fee with free drinks)

Making ‘Wish’ Bracelets by Hohogangi
Jan. 25th (Sat) @ 3PM
20,000won (including material fee for a pair of bracelets with free drinks)

How to get there:
From Exit 3 of Jungangro Station on Line 1, go one block straight (on bus street) and you’ll see Dong-a pharmacy (동아약국). Social Market is right next to the pharmacy.

– Lisa Highfill

This Weekend [Dec 7 & 8]: The End Of The Universe Is Nigh

Daegu Art Factory’s current exhibit, Better Than Universe, focuses on future-oriented art. I was able to check it out yesterday during a couple of free hours before work and I am planning to go back again.

Guys, you gotta go.

This exhibition is chock full of talented artists who are truly pioneers in using new technologies as modes of artistic expression.

The whole exhibit is philosophical, technical, emotional, and surprising. A large number of the installations are interactive such as Kim Heesung’s voyaristic look through the uniform apartment windows of Korea. A personal favorite of mine is Hyunwoo Bang and Yoonsil Heo’s (an artistic team who calls themselves ‘everyware’) technologically impressive piece, LEVITATE. I still don’t fully understand how it works and I like it that way.

Yeondoo Jung’s (we just can’t get enough of him, can we?) Handmade Memories video installation is perfectly placed in the exhibit and is something you will want to watch from start to finish.

There are too many great pieces to mention, and I don’t want to ruin all of the great surprises. It’s FREE and it ends on December 15th, so get to Daegu Art Factory this weekend to ponder the universe.

How to get there:
– Lisa Highfill