After a 10 minute bus drive there is a small alley with different stores gathered up in a huddle. At the end of the alley, there is Ra Café, where exhibition “Lake Titikaka” is held, free of charge. It would not be the most common route to an exhibition but such aspect already seems to suggest what kind of exhibition you will see before your eyes: Let us take a step into the remote yet tranquil exhibition of poet Park No Hae.

Traveling in exotic regions with an analogue film camera would be one of the most classic dreams that many have ever had. In poet Park No Hae’s exhibition, “Lake Titicaca,” it is possible to take vicarious approach to his journey of adventurous freedom where his series of photographs reveal the lively atmosphere of South America. 

Park has everything that professional photographers appear to have and more; he is a poet-turned-photographer who used to be a death-rowed convict. In the 1980s, the whole country was stained with shouts of protest demanding democratization. Among them, there was poet Park No Hae, whose poem “Dawn of Labor” led to him to being sentenced to death. He eventually gained freedom after democratization, but unlike many people had expected, he refused to pursue power or authority. Instead, what he chose to do was to travel around areas of freedom where nature had been untouched, saying, “I do not want to tie myself to the past.” Continuously questioning himself about the most fundamental questions of life, Park quietly captured the daily lives of people who were hardly noticed by the others. 

Exhibition “Lake Titicaca” includes the scenes of Bolivia, a country that is so called the heart of South America. There, Park finds the lively form of Andes tradition through natives who made their livings through farming and fishing. In his photographs, the audience can peek through Park’s efforts to interact with the people in the community, at the same time capturing the awe-inspiring natural surroundings. Rather than being mere factual records of his journey, his photographs successfully convey the lively atmosphere of the region by revealing the humanitarian values of the community. For instance, it even includes the scenes of people fishing on a boat or harvesting potatoes. For instance, the exhibition not only includes the scenes of people living there but also the stories of their past and present lives that Park heard.

To Park, his journey to South America had great meaning as he could continuously trace the life of Che Guevara, the legendary revolutionist. Che Guevara, perhaps, had much in common with Park for they both endeavored to overturn the reality before their eyes and fought for what they considered justice. “I often found myself standing in front of Che Guevara’s crossroads as he saw one bright path toward honor and authority while a darker path toward justice and love waited for him on the other side,” said Park in his interview before the exhibition.

 As soon as you enter the gallery that is placed in the cafe, you will be intrigued by the exotic music that pervades the whole room. Because of the mystic sounds of the song, the audience can feel themselves isolated in the show room, being able to concentrate more on the exhibition. In fact, this is the music that Kim collected himself on his journey. With the background music, it is possible to approach the series of photographs without much difficulty. 

The first photograph that you encounter in the exhibition is the picture of Lake Titicaca. The blue color that dominates the picture harmonizes well with the white walls where the pictures are displayed. Lake Titicaca, which is the highest-altitude lake in the world, gives the impression of purifying one’s mind and thoughts. The rest of the exhibition continues with other scenes of Bolivia, mainly consisting of black and white photographs. 

Along with the photographs that Park took with an analogue film camera, you will be able to enjoy the exclusive captions that are written by Park himself. They not only provide  information about the photographs, but also give a stronger impression to the audience due to the poetic expressions and metaphors. Some also include the quotes of the conversation that Park had with the natives, adding the liveliness to the exhibition. For instance, the exhibition includes a picture of a woman who provided the last supper to Che Guevara. By reading the captions of the picture, the audience can hear the story of the woman about the last moment she had with Che Guevara.

One of the prominent characteristics of this exhibition is that it is held by an organization called Nanummunhwa(sharing culture). Nanummunhwa is an organization that is operated solely based on the financial support of its members, in order to remain independent of the government, royal families, or the media. For the 15 years since its foundation, it has endeavored to aid in solving four main crises that human beings are facing: destruction of the eco system, polarization, wars & poverty and loss of soul. Holding exhibitions is part of their responsibility to promote peace and charity. “Lake Titicaca” is the seventh exhibition that Nanummunhwa has hold. On your visit to the gallery, you are given the opportunity to be a member of the organization to promote and share their values. 

If you are expecting a grandiose exhibition with numerous pieces and showrooms, it may be quite disappointing. In fact, the exhibition consists of about 21 photographs in one single showroom. However, if you want some relief from the busy, competitive life by visiting a quiet yet neat café by the alley, you will enjoy your time in the Ra Café Gallery where you can possibly discover the source of healing. Follow the footsteps of Park to Lake Titicaca by visiting Ra Café Gallery.

▲ One of the photographs of Lake Titicaca. Provided by Ra Cafe.

Exhibition Info

Location: Ra Café Gallery 

Open Hours: 11 A.M.– 10 P.M. (closed on Thursdays)

Free of Charge