the art of sharing

Motif#1

The door of artist residence Motif#1 is open. Always. That’s just how it is. That’s South Korean writer and photographer Ansoo Lee’s life philosophy.

Openness is also what Ansoo’s habitat, Heyri Art Valley, is all about. Here, close to the concrete hive Seoul, hiding behind a hedge or a fence is not allowed. Streets are sparely lit at night, cause ‘How else can you enjoy the stars?’ Stars who, in case you’re familiar with the South Korean art scene, you easily bump into while looking up at the sky. After all, besides numerous galleries, museums, cafes and restaurants, Heyri Art Valley is also home to many directors, actors, painters, writers and photographers.

Heyri

All this creativity has been thriving in Heyri for over a decade now. And it shows. Cause architecture and design put a smile on this artist enclave, while Korean culture gives it its character. Wherever you walk in Heyri, there is always a new experience waiting for you. Another surprise around each corner, another ‘moment of WOW’ inside a gallery, or the next one, or the one after that.

Heyri

A great way to get a taste of what the Korean contemporary scene has to offer, is to stay in Heyri for a couple of days. The best place to do so is of course with Ansoo at the Motif#1 artist residence. Here you’ll find yourself surrounded by books and stolen moments of time, captured in beautiful images.

White block gallery Heyri

The vibe of lodging and relaxing in one of Motif#1’s boutique studios and stroll the streets of Heyri is best described by this note in Ansoo’s guestbook:

‘Like the rolling hills, we expected to find on our journeys to the South-east, we have been tumbling into experiences and surprises day after day since our arrival in South Korea.

After the balanced rush of the city and the imbalanced tension at the border, we found creativity and rest with dear Ansoo, here in Heyri. Thank you for shining your lantern on the hidden path of our travels ahead.’

Ansoo

It is true. You do completely unwind here. After the thrill of Seoul and the deep sadness of a visit to the nearby Demilitarized Zone and the border with North Korea, it is nice to be inspired by creativity in all its shapes and appearances. To sit down and enjoy a drink with your host. To listen to a man who has seen the world and masters the art of sharing, whether it’s the beauty of his country, his culture, his books or his house.

Imjingak park near Heyri

Artist residence Motif#1
대표 | 이안수
Ansoo Lee
Heyri Art Valley – South Korea
W: www.airbnb.com/rooms/815980

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