A new exhibit at the Cleveland Museum of Art has attracted a lot of attention. Titled “Into the Seven Jeweled Mountains,” this experience offers two different showcases of ancient volcanic mountains from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1912). One is a ten-minute animation, and one showcases a 10-panel art piece, the artist of which is unknown. This experience, attracting many viewers for its calming atmosphere and dynamic digital showcase, will be displayed from March 15 through September 29, 2024.
The immersive experience showcases the seven Jeweled Mountains in Korea. Because of political reasons, the mountains belong to North Korea, and Americans aren’t allowed to explore the mountains. Sooa Im McCormick, CMA’s Curator of Korean Art, explained that the purpose behind the exhibit is “to present the rich tradition of Korean landscape painting engagingly.”
The idea for the narration of the experience was born from a journal called “Journey into the Seven Jeweled Mountains” created by Lim Hyeong-soo (1514-1547). This 15th century journal was kept by a traveler and offered the exhibit’s creative team insight into the sounds and experiences of what it was like to be there during that time. The narration of the video is excerpts from this journal. Accompanying the narration, a dynamic animation follows the story. The transitions in the animation match the art style of the 10-panel art piece. The mix of the sounds, the sway of wind, and the flow of water, culminates into a truly enchanting experience and brings viewers into the panels.
According to The Korea Times, “The delicate ink brushstrokes evoke the sensation of standing at the center of a vast natural wonder.”
The exhibit was created by several people. Cleveland Art Museum’s digital innovations team worked in addition to Sooa Im McCormick, who watched over the process of creating this exhibit. The sounds of the experience are offered by composer Yang Bang-ean, with narrations performed by Ryu Jun-yeol.
A variety of teams worked to make the experience as historically accurate as possible. Credits are given to the Korean Foundation Curator of Korean Art, as well as the museum’s Technology Research Institute for Culture and Heritage. This exhibit was also helped by the partnership between the Cleveland Art Museum and the Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation.
All of these teams worked diligently to create a unique immersive experience for viewers. McCormick’s explains the beginning of the process: “A curator proposes an exhibition idea to the exhibition review committee.” Then they worked together to design an experience, mixing ideas and concepts to heighten the experience further. The creators bounced ideas off of each other working diligently to create the best exhibit possible. McCormick’s idea of the stone-shaped pillows created a even more immersive experience.
Seeing all of their hard work culminate into this dynamic experience, it was natural that people would have a variety of reactions. When asked what her favorite part of the experience was Lynn, a local art admirer, said, “being in the moment” was nice for her. She also said she didn’t like people being on their phones, so she found the exhibit nice in that it fully immersed the viewers to the experience. Another viewer named Tyler seconds this concept of being in the moment by saying how it was an “immersive experience.” Also “seeing the surroundings” of the art, he explained was highly enjoyable for him.
The Cleveland Museum of Art, established in 1913, offers a variety of art. Some stemming from an assortment of countries. In addition, they offer a lot of historical value, having pieces from wars and established periods in our world’s history.
Next time you find yourself at the Cleveland museum of art stop by for a truly magical immersive experience!
