Reinvented and Re-Contextualized: Cultural Property in Korea during Japanese Occupation
Prof. Kang, Heejung

Abstract
This study aims to review the role of Imperial Japan for the establishment of Korean art history during Japanese occupation. Japanese intellectuals built the theoretical basis for the art history of Korea. The art of Korea was discovered, restored, and re-contextualized by Japan through the art historical system. The paradigm went through the process of de-contextualization and re-contextualization. Those cultural properties were arranged in art historical timeline according to the taste of Imperial Japan. For them, the value of Korean art was supplementing blanks of the oriental art, between China and Japan. Korean art history as a modern academic discipline established by Imperial Japan according to their ideal paradigm. Japan dominated and monopolized the hegemony of knowledge about Korea. They also made Koreans accept their paradigm through public education and school books. The way of seeing in Korean heritage was made by Imperial Japan in Modern Era.

Full Text: PDF