Works by Koo Bohnchang are currently on view at Return of Cheonma at the Gyeongju National Museum. Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the Cheonmachong Tomb, the exhibition showcases a collection of artifacts from the Silla Dynasty, including Cheonmado (Painting of the Heavenly Horse), which was excavated in 1973 and is displayed to the public for the first time in nine years. 11 photographs by Koo are prominently presented at the beginning of the show under the section titled “Seeing with a New Perspective.”

Koo’s large-scale photographs in the exhibition depict gold crowns, accessories, and glass cups from the Silla Dynasty, all of which were unearthed from the Cheonmachong Tomb. Renowned for his work that reinterprets the inherent traces of time and the pure beauty of white porcelains from the Joseon Dynasty within a contemporary context, Koo has recently been focusing on the golden relics scattered across different institutions worldwide. Koo expressed his excitement upon getting the chance to capture the artifacts through his camera lens after a long period of anticipation, remarking: "The gold crown is a familiar symbol of the Silla Dynasty; when we think of Silla, we instantly think of the precious gold crown. Emanating a subtle, delicate glow even in the dark, the gold crown embodied the sun, the center of the world, and was a symbol of absolute power. Unveiled to us as a burial item within the Cheonmachong, this golden artifact, carrying the breath and essence of the Silla royal family, encapsulates human desires, the life of the times, and their aspirations for the afterlife. Witnessing this 1,500-year-old golden relic up close through the lens was a truly remarkable experience, and I wanted to capture its exquisite beauty in photographic form as a visual testament." 

Koo’s captivating works, set against a backdrop of golden hues, will remain on view at the Gyeongju National Museum through July 16, 2023. Additionally, an extensive catalog dedicated to the Silla Gold Crowns will be published in October, offering a comprehensive presentation of Koo’s works that beautifully capture the essence of the Silla artifacts.