By Kayla Lee

The World Peace Art Exhibition (Chairman Lee Jon-young) will open, embodying the diverse and harmonious values of "K-ART," elevating the status of global K-ART beyond conventional institutional, aesthetic, and artistic concepts.

Celebrating its 26th exhibition this year, the World Peace Art Exhibition takes a unique approach by providing a platform for discourse on topics such as environment, ecology, life, civilization, society, science, and philosophy within its distinctive context, making it a remarkable art event.

Chairman Park Cheol-gyu stated, "The World Peace Art Exhibition, breathing new life into the global center of 'K-ART,' will offer opportunities for everyone to easily encounter outstanding artworks, strengthen the art ecosystem with works by competent artists representing the field, and continue presenting exhibition programs for art enthusiasts to share the values of culture and arts."

Among exceptional artworks submitted from around the world, the grand award-winning piece is "Iris II" by artist Jung Ji-ah.

President Lee Jae-hwa of the World Peace Art Exhibition said that humanity can truly experience genuine happiness only through world peace, and our inherent noble spirit and boundless intelligence must contribute to peace and well-being.

While history has progressed gradually through the wisdom and efforts of those seeking truth and goodness, human beings have often strayed from ideals and principles, failing to uphold their dignity, resulting in numerous instances of confusion, he said.

Chief Judge Lee Yeon-sook praised this year's grand prize-winning work, "Iris II," as one of the many wildflowers that bloom proudly in the scorching sun, strong winds, harsh cold, and rough environment. The artwork captures the heart of judges with the free and beautiful colors of the iris that bloom in nature, using contrasting colors and layering effects to create a majestic and enchanting display of lyricism and color.

The grand prize winner, artist Jung Ji-ah, who is a professional artist who majored in color at Hongik University Graduate School and is also active as the Vice President of the Hongik Art Association, leaves her unique work in the painting field.

In response to her award, she conveyed her joy, saying, "I enjoyed painting, and I was satisfied with those who liked my work. Receiving such a prestigious award makes me happy and also makes me feel the weight of the honor."

“I would like to thank my family and many people for their praise and encouragement, and above all, I sincerely thank the judges for their consideration," she said, expressing her joy of winning the award.

The Grand Prize (Seoul Mayor's Award) includes the western painting non-figurative Choo Dae-sik (COVER), figurative Lee Sang-deok (Relationship), Kang Kyung-hee (Senjangsaeng).

The Best Prize (President of the Federation of Artistic & Cultural Organization of Korea) went to Lee Jin-kyung (Yellow House by the Sea), Jeon Byung-hee (Flower of Heart Bloom), Woo Sang-im (Brilliant Zoom), Kim Jung-hoon (Bonghwangdo 1), Lee Eun-soon (Insatiable thirst), Lim Kyung-in (Peace).

The winner of Special Prize is Yeon Ji-sung (Pine Tree-Cherry Blossom Day) and the winners of Excellent Prize are Park Joon-gu (Rain-Soyoyu), Lee Haeng-im (PROSPERITY), Cho Soo-kyung (Stretch), Ji Young-rang (Breath from the Memory), Song Kang (King's encounter), Lee Oh-sun (Fire of the Sun), Park Kyung-mi (Gleeful Pillow), Kim Jeong-ok (Fall of Gongjak Mountain), Jeong So-yeon (Dreaming Tree), Yoon Tae-kyung (Spring Afternoon), Cho Myoung-ok (Magpie Tiger), Park Hyun-jung (Hwacho Gilsangdo), Lee Chae-yoon (Eoram Gwaneum Bodhisattva), Lee Ju-young (Morando), Lee Hwa-ja (Chaekgado), Jeong Hee-sun (Eagle), Kim Joseph (Eohaedo), Cho Hye-sun (Morando), Lee Mak-rae (Unhae), Ko Eun-seo (Past), Kwon In-soon (Bright house), Lim Min-seok (Dance), Lee Yeon-sook (Work), Cho Sung-gu (Sunset), Kim Hyung-jun (Palpitate), Kim Jong-moon (Beautiful every day), Yoo Young-rae (Moonlight), Jeong Mi-ja (Maehwa), Park Hyun-young (Jungle), Heo Yong-sook (Dandelion), Kim Da-yeon (Goeunseonsaengsi), Joo Nan-sook (Prayer).

This year, the World Peace Art Exhibition is divided into Part 1 and Part 2. There are high expectations for the World Peace Art Exhibition Leader's Invitational Exhibition, which will be held at the Hangaram Art Museum in the Seoul Arts Center in November.