Us Standing in Front of Stuff + Foodstuffs

This weekend we went to a Joan Miro exhibit in Seoul. Outside the gallery was a huge cow made from white plastic pine needles and christmas tree lights. Usually in Korea a big cartoon cow indicates a steakhouse; this was a happy exception. (Update: one of our Korean friends has informed us of the very obvious fact that the above animal is actually an ox, as in Year of the Ox, which began a couple of weeks ago. We should have caught on to that one!)

Miro lived from 1893 to 1983. This exhibit contained lithographs from the 1960s and 70s.

This lithograph, called "The Brahmin," is Stephen's favorite work from the exhibit. The best part is the sacred thread.

"The Sun, the Moon and Five Peaks" is a Joseon Dynasty painting. It was usually displayed on a partition behind the king's throne. It represents the king's dignity, and was made in the hopes that the king would rule eternally, like nature. The painting has become iconic of Korea, and can be seen all over.


Bodhidharma, a 5th century South Indian, is thought to have transmitted Buddhism from India to China. In Korea, Bodhidharma is a very popular icon, and can be seen in temples, on calendars and on 99.9% pure gold cards meant to function as bookmarks. He is usually sullen-faced and wide-eyed, and there are many legends spanning many countries about his life.

Adrienne posing with a set of paintings of Bodhidharma at a Zen center in Seoul.

Adrienne doing her best Bodhidharma pose.

A Buddhist bas-relief from a Seoul temple - but we have no idea what it is of.

We went out to a Japanese restaurant and had a strange but delicious dish consisting of lettuce, dried fish, pickles and peanut butter.

It is customary to give gifts during the Lunar New Year. They can include boxed sets of soap, toothpaste, tuna fish cans - even Spam and cooking oil.