Tai-baik and surrounding towns were mine areas. 10 years ago in Tai-baik there lived 100,000 people. Nowdays only 50,000 people live in there. Ko-han and Sa-buk, near Tai-Baik are in more serious condition. (Both towns have about 10,000 residents now, down from 50,000 - 60,000.)
What happened these towns?
10 years ago, the Korean government decided to close domestic mines because it thought the mining industry was no longer economical. Quickly the mines were closed. Now only about 11 mines are being worked and their production is decreasing.
You can't imagine the condition of these towns. Five years ago I visited Sa-buk and Ko-han and these towns were lively then. Two years ago I found they were dying. This year hope and death live side by side.
I think some people really like the region... and so they try to revitalize the towns in a new way..
Mission : To make Tai-baik into an outdoor art gallery
Organization: committee for Taik-baik murals
Period : 1995 - 1998 (but that's not important)
Total number : 40 for all area
Mural painters: 40, both local and from abroad
The direction of this project
Mr. Hwang was born in 1952 and holds a university degree in Art. He has lived in Tai-baik since 1980s. He has become famous for his paintings about life in the mines.
About the murals:
What is the goal of doing the art there?
The revitalization of local places and making an identity for the local culture.
Is there a threat from others like military or police for the artists?
No. Local police don't have bad feelings about this project because they also are the residents of these towns.
What do the residents think about the art?
They like them but they can't really help us. They are busy just making their living.
Are the paintings traditional style or something new for the region?
They are not Korean traditional style, but Western style. The subjects are regional.
How are the paintings done?
Nowadays we are making it into a total project. We have problems particularly with the shortage of money for paint. You know it's not cheap, and so the group was formed to champion this project.
What is it that needs to happen at Tai-Baik to bring it back from a ghost town to a living community?
Oh!!! Tai-baik is not yet a ghost town. I think we need to have new jobs ..but.. most of all we need to have local culture and spirits. In the past we had local industry like the mines but we didn't have local culture .. I think it is a special place in Korea...
What do the artists of Tai-baik wish to tell the world about their work?
We hope only that this project succeeds. Don't Forget This Region, please...
Like Mr. Hwang's saying, This project is in the first stages now. We are discovering how to raise the needed funds for it first. Second, we worry about how to accomplish it without many problems, and so we need to hear from people who have been part of similar projects.
Send me comments on the page please!!! crynut@interpia.net
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