When the Korean culture meet the European landscape in Chambord

The Evolution of  the vision of art in Chambord

The castle of Chambord

François Ier

The castle of Chambord is one of the most famous in the Loire Valley (Center, France). Built on the lands of Sologne in 1516, under François Ier orders and in honour of his glory. This castle welcomed many architects: Leon Battista Alberti, Domenico Bernabei da Cortona and probably Leonardo da Vinci, . The building belonged to several kings through centuries. The castle is now part of the World Heritage of UNESCO and welcomes million of visitors every year.

Leonardo di Vinci

François Ier showed his taste for art and architecture. The plan of the castle itself, forms a square like medieval castles, but it also integrates the influence and the style of the architecture of the Italian Renaissance. He ordered many works of art in order to praise his reign. He also invited some famous artists (Leonardo da Vinci, the painters Rosso Fiorentino and The Primatice for Vaux le Vicomte castle, the silversmith Benvenuto Cellini and Pierre the Aretin). Nowadays, the managers of the castle expose different works and artists for temporary exhibitions. They follow the artistic evolution and the different trends of the XXIst century. It's kind of a renewal for the castle of Chambord.

Bae Bien-U

Chambord has hosted the most famous Korean photographer of today Bae Bien-U, for a singular project. Photographing the domain forest over a year. This project will end up in an exhibition in autumn 2015. (Have a look at the interview of Bae bien-U made by Salomé Turpin, Loan Buraud, Julie Vigué and Mathilde Bourhis)

Chambord, a cultural point surprising

The castle, as said previously, hosts many artists, exhibitions, as well as performances and concerts. 

Concerning the field of music, several contemporary artists were invited, such as Olivier Baumont who has completed the writing of a book about music during the XVIIIth century in the memoirs of the duc of  Saint Simon. This original work was presented at a meeting with the latter, on Friday, may 30, 2014. Furthermore,  the castle will host the 10th edition of World Music Day on June 21st , 2015.

Poster of World Music day in Chambord.

As far as shows are concerned, two representations of the Bourgeois Gentilhomme will be performed in front of the castle on may 22nd and 23rd 2015, bringing together 12 comedians, 6 musicians, 3 dancers and 3 singers.

Picture of show of "Bourgeois Gentilhomme"

As far as exhibitions are concerned, the artist Guillaume Bruere will present his works  from April 12 to August 30 on the occasion of the 500 th anniversary of the coronation of King François Ier . His art pictures expressive portraits and sculptures of the powerful sovereign. Bruere works on old portraits to make them more contemporary and dynamic.

Guillaume Bruère

Let's now talk about Bae Bien-U. This Korean artist resided in the castle for a year. He is regarded as the most renowned Korean photographer of today. Invited by the managers of the castle, he accepted the invitation with enthusiasm finding the area attractive. 



He has already and will take pictures of the forest of Chambord during the year. 

Having already been to the Alhambra in Andalusia (Spain), taking pictures of the asian landscapes and volcanoes , he now comes to photograph the Sologne forest. These very expressive and captivating landscapes will be presented to put an end to this great project by an exhibition which will take place from September 27, 2015  April 10, 2016 on the 2nd floor of the castle.

Picture take by Bae Bien-U

The castle of Chambord is an architectural style of Italian Renaissance. However the managers of the castle have decided to exhibit the art of our era which sharply contrast with the atmosphere and the history of the place. This is how two artistic movements, of different centuries, and of different cultures intersect and fuse to give a stunning mix. It is also possible that Bae Bien-U came for the pine trees ,which are sacred in his homeland, and which are situated in the south of the Korean peninsula. His pictures represent the unveiled beauty of the world without human beings. The artist uses panoramic views in black and white and manages to release a share of silence which transformed the landscape in a place of meditation.


Lola Coudray and Léa Blanco