Tibetan nuns captured on lens
Park Soo-ji
The Korea Herald
Publication Date: 13-08-2008



Flags of five colors cover a holy place in Achu-Ghar, Carze, China (2007) (Sung Nam-hun)

Globalisation has made it harder to see traditional Buddhist nuns and monks.

However, in Kham, eastern Tibet, many young bhikkhuni (nuns) and bhikkhu (monks) are searching for the meaning of life against the pressures of time and space.

Although Korea has historically been influenced by Buddhism in many ways, Korea's transition towards westernisation slowly created a subtle sense of distance between Korea and the religion.

In search of authentic Buddhism, Korea-based photographer Sung Nam-hun went to a Buddhist sanctuary in Kham, eastern Tibet to fill his photographs with their spirituality.

In Kham, there are many young bhikkhuni. Sung captures them practicing their customs and praying daily in holy places covered with flags of five colours. Sung said the nuns believe those five colours symbolise five universal elements (water, sky, fire, wind and land) and five spatial directions (east, west, south, north and center). Through his artworks, he not only portrays their spirituality but also the arduous physical training they undergo. As part of this training, they shoulder huge planks of wood three times their height.

Sung's photographs elicit the viewers' sympathy for the bhikkhuni, who live in an isolated environment. However, their determination and desire to lead these lives shines through their untainted eyes.

For them, life is a religion and it is also reciprocal. Since Buddhism is based on reincarnation, they believe in being grateful for what they have in this life.

Sung titled this exhibition 'Lotuses in a Well''. The 'lotus' refers to the ruddy cheeks of the nun, and the 'well' connotes their isolated Buddhist village, Kham.

In the exhibition, the 14 portraits of the Tibetan nuns allude to the title. These photos genuinely capture their pure, innocent eyes and pink-tinted cheeks.

Despite the fact that their faces have been weathered by the harsh climate, the way they look at the camera shows their juvenile innocence and ability to maintain a true appreciation of life. These remarkable portraits show us their devotion.

Throughout the exhibition, the peaceful scenery and the nuns' pure eyes beguile the viewers with their exotic beauty. Moreover, when visitors look at the bhikkhuni, there's a moment of connection where they are able to find peace of mind and be free from the competitive nature of modern society.

Sung Nam-hun's 'Lotuses in a Well' runs through September 12 at the Hanmi Foundation of Arts and Culture's Museum of Photography.

To get there, go to Mongchontoseong Station (Line 8, Exit 2). Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 10am to 7pm and weekends are from 11am to 6:30pm. For more information, call (02) 418 - 1315, or visit HANMI PHOTOGRAPH MUSEUM