Korea and India: Artistic Empathy Woven Through Travel Sketches

Celebrating the 13th anniversary of the Korean Cultural Centre India, the Opening Ceremony of the special exhibition “Travelling Sketch: Beyond Us, Between Us” was held recently at the Centre. The exhibition showcases more than 200 artworks created by two artists each from Korea and India. While the Korean artists – Son Sangshin (Bereka) and Heo Dasom – have displayed artworks inspired from their travels across India, the two Indian artist – Reeka Nartiang and Samiddha Choudhuri – likewise, have displayed artworks created from their travels across the Republic of Korea.

The exhibition is open to viewers at the Korean Cultural Centre India gallery until February 28, 2026. The opening event began with the artists providing a guided tour of their artworks to the viewers. Each of the artists highlighted their interest in exploring the cultural similarities and differences between their homeland and the visiting country through the medium of pen drawings, watercolour paintings, and digital art.

Korean artist Son Sangshin presented large-scale pen drawings and watercolour works inspired by her travels, along with three of his published books— ‘If This Is the Journey’, ‘India Romance’, and ‘You and I Are Truly Remarkable’. Artist Heo Dasom displayed 40 digital artworks that reinterpret ancient Sanskrit scripts in a modern style, creatively blending Indian spiritual heritage with Korean sensibilities.

Indian artist Reeka Nartiang expressed her deep appreciation for Korean culture through textile works inspired by traditional Korean masks, as well as pen-and-ink and watercolour pieces depicting hanbok and Korean landscapes. Samiddha Choudhuri showcased six ceramic works reflecting Korean traditional culture, a digital art series themed on Korean street food, and pen drawings capturing scenes from across Korea.

The exhibition goes beyond simple travel documentation. By presenting the daily lives, landscapes, and people of both countries through the eyes of the artists, it offers visitors a deeper cultural understanding and emotional connection between India and Korea. Featuring works that range from large-format pieces to smaller items, and from paintings to three-dimensional artworks, the exhibition aims to create an immersive experience, almost like travelling through both countries simultaneously.

Hwang Il Yong, Director of Korean Cultural Centre India said, “Travel is the starting point of art and it captures the diversity of the world. We hope this exhibition, expressed through pen drawings, watercolours, and digital art by Korean and Indian artists who explored each other’s nations, will open a new chapter in cultural exchange between our countries. We especially hope that Indian youth, who have already connected with Korean culture through K-pop and K-dramas, will gain a deeper understanding of Korea’s traditions and emotional landscape through this exhibition.”