SKoreaBalchExhibitbyGerryDSouth Korea Through the Lens of a Miguk fine art photography exhibit by Gerry D'Onofrio at the Balch Library in Leesburg, VA Jul 6 - Sep 30, 2016

Gerry is having a solo exhibit at Leesburg’s Thomas Balch Library from July 6 through September 30. The images of this fine art photography on canvas collection “South Korea Through the Lens of a Miguk” were taken in the 1990s when he was exposed to this fascinating country and its people. 

Gerry says: “Those years made a permanent impression on me not only because I was exposed to a culture I knew little about and was so different from mine, but because the people were so willing to help me, the Miguk (the American), appreciate it. 

“As a photographer I was eager to capture what I knew was a fast changing Korea. Known as the “Hermit Kingdom,” the Korean Peninsula was isolated from the world for centuries as a way of protection from outside threats. Today, South Korea—or the Republic of Korea—is a dynamic and prosperous country full of contrasts between the old and the new.  

“Although the hustle and bustle of the modern city of Seoul was my day-to-day setting, I sought out opportunities to visit the countryside, folk villages, temples, palaces, and cultural events, many of them depicted in this show. Oftentimes, I had the feeling that Korea was changing even more rapidly than many places in the West, and I was anxious to freeze this precious time through my lens. 

“This exhibit is a labor of love. Searching through thousands of film negatives and slides, scanning and processing them in the digital darkroom, and presenting them on canvas format, was an intensive endeavor that made me relive many of the experiences in Korea and my special connection to this land and its people that I will cherish forever.” 

The Thomas Balch Library is located at 208 W. Market St. in the heart of the historic district in Leesburg, Virginia. 

We would love if you could join us at a free reception on Saturday, July 16 from 1 to 3 pm. 

PS Just want to recap that Gerry will have two active exhibits in the month of July; he has two pieces at the Oatlands "Four Seasons of Oatlands" Art Show (July 1-31) and his solo exhibit of 19 pieces depicting images from South Korea (from July 6 through September 30).

We invite you to make Saturday, July 16 a day to enjoy art, history, and culture by visiting the Oatlands Historic House and Gardens  and then attending the  “South Korea Through the Lens of a Miguk” reception at Leesburg's Thomas Balch Library. Gerry and Dora will be at the Library on July 16th to share our experiences in Korea, offer light refreshments, and answer any questions.