Small LEGO Pieces Transform into ′K-Culture′ Artwork, Delivers Allure of Korea

Small LEGO Pieces Transform into 'K-Culture' Artwork, Delivers Allure of Korea: Travel / 연합뉴스 / 2024-05-16 14:32:36

▲ On May 16, 2024, artist Colin Jin readies himself for a Yonhap interview about 'LEGO Ohyang Ancestral Rites Banquet Arrangement Diagram' that he personally created at the Seoul Jongmyo Hyangdaecheong, which reopened after a renovation. (Yonhap)

SEOUL, May 16 (Yonhap) -- The Jongmyo ritual, held in the shrine where the spirits of past kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty are enshrined, was the most important ceremony in Confucian society.

Created in the late 19th century, the "Jongmyo Ancestral Rites and Regulations Screen" depicts not only the main buildings of Jongmyo but also the ceremonies, procedures, and various protocols conducted here in detail.

Among them, the "Ohyang Ancestral Rites Banquet Arrangement Diagram" depicts the seating arrangement of officials and courtiers who attended the Jongmyo ritual when the king personally participated, with a minimum of 200 figures depicted.

Could this be expressed with various shapes and sizes of LEGO blocks?

▲ This photo, taken on May 16, 2024, shows 'LEGO Ohyang Ancestral Rites Banquet Arrangement Diagram' that artist Colin Jin personally created at the Seoul Jongmyo Hyangdaecheong, which reopened after a renovation. (Yonhap)

So Jin-ho, better known by his artist name Colin Jin, has assembled about 21,000 blocks to create the "LEGO Ohyang Ancestral Rites Banquet Arrangement Diagram."

"I hope viewers enjoy it with a feeling of being 'drawn in' to something," he said in a recent interview with Yonhap News.

Created over five months from earlier this year, the work captures vivid moments of the Jongmyo ritual.

From officials in black attire to the king, crown prince, and relatives wearing red attending the ceremony, 209 figures were meticulously depicted, including their attire and even small accessories, just as they appear in the painting.

Colin Jin explained, "I assembled LEGO blocks without cutting or painting them. Each person used anywhere from 70 to 200 blocks, and I was worried if there would be enough."

Upon closer inspection, there are many interesting details.

▲ This photo of "Jongmyo Royal Ancestral Ritual Screen," provided by the National Palace Museum of Korea on May 16, 2024, contains writings and drawings explaining the main buildings of Jongmyo, major ritual procedures, and offerings for the ceremonies. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Percussion instruments played by the orchestra are represented by model logs of pirate ships, and janggu sticks are modeled after wands from the "Harry Potter" series. The strings tied to the gayageum are made of croissant-shaped LEGO block pieces.

Colin Jin said, "If you look closely, there are hidden gems of fun. I imagined and assembled while repeatedly examining and combining the figures depicted in the 'Ohyang Ancestral Rites Banquet Arrangement Diagram.'"

"There are many characters with similar costumes or appearances, right? It took a lot of time to match LEGO blocks to capture the main features of each figure. So, I worked for about eight hours a day."

After much deliberation, the completed work will be exhibited at Jongmyo Hyangdaecheong for the next two years.

Lee Hong-joo, a cultural heritage researcher at the Cultural Heritage Administration, said, "It is often difficult to explain the Jongmyo ritual verbally. We collaborated to show examples that anyone can easily understand and appreciate."

Colin Jin expressed his hope that even people who are not familiar with Korean history could enjoy the exhibition comfortably.

He said, "I hope it will be an opportunity for people to become interested in the Jongmyo ritual and realize, 'This is what it's like,' and 'This is our cultural heritage (national treasure).' I naturally hope they learn about the allure and elegance of Korea."

After holding his first solo exhibition last year, he has been receiving continuous offers.

From September 24th to October 5th, he will participate in the special exhibition "Korean Play" at the Korean Cultural Center in Paris, presenting a total of eight works including LEGO-made masks, hahoetal (Korean traditional masks), and hakchum (Korean traditional dance).

Colin Jin said, "LEGO's influence is even greater in Europe. It's an honor," adding, "I hope to play a role in making our cultural heritage enjoyable and easily accepted."

He emphasized the significant support from his family in creating his own LEGO designs.

▲ On May 16, 2024, artist Colin Jin looks at the 'LEGO Ohyang Ancestral Rites Banquet Arrangement Diagram' that he personally created at the Seoul Jongmyo Hyangdaecheong, which reopened after a renovation. (Yonhap)

His father is So Jae-gyu, the founder of the toy company Hanlip Toys, who also opened the Hanlip Toy Museum, a children's play culture space, in Heyri Art Village in Paju, Gyeonggi Province.

"From my mid-20s, I was deeply into LEGO. Maybe I easily spent the value of a luxury car?" (Laughs)

His wife, Choi Hyun-joo, CEO of Baekseolgi Arts & Books, and his daughter were reliable support.

His pseudonym "Colin Jin" is a combination of the name of his wife's favorite actor, Colin Firth, and his own name, Jin-ho. The various works are the result of a father's efforts to play with his daughter.

Colin Jin said, "I did what I loved, without any greed, just following my heart," adding, "I never thought I would become a LEGO artist from the beginning. I'm still surprised."

What is his next goal?

Initially, he considered depicting the procession of King Jeongjo's (reign: 1776-1800) visit to Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon in 1795, but he shook his head, saying, "I considered the Jongmyo ritual and gave up."

"I am considering various topics, such as the changing of the guard ceremony. Since it's something I enjoy, I'll do it again, won't I?"