Envoys from South American nations extended their support for an exhibition that highlights the art and beauty of their region, as well as the importance of protecting the Amazon rainforest, at Oulim Art Gallery in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province.

Envoys from Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela attended the opening reception for “Amazon Color,” an exhibition that continues through Aug. 17.

Organized by Bellarte, a group established in Seoul in 2004 with the aim of promoting Latin American art to the public here, the exhibition features South American photography, painting and children’s education about the region.

Four lithographs by two Ecuadorian artists will be exhibited. Expressionist Oswaldo Guayasamin and artist Gonzalo Endara Crow, who was lauded by writer Mario Vargas Llosa for his use of “magical realism” in his paintings. Two of Endara Crow’s lithographs will be on display. A photographer from Ecuador featured in the exhibition, Manuel Aviles Prieto, held an exhibition in Seoul in October 2013.

“We would like to share the beauty of the Amazon rainforest, and at the same time raise awareness of the importance of its conservation,” said Jorge Icaza, deputy chief of mission at the Ecuadorian Embassy, at the opening reception.

There is also a “kid’s corner” during this exhibition aimed at stimulating children’s curiosity about South America and inspiring them to learn more about the Amazonian rainforest.

“Ecuador would like to share in this exhibition basic information about the country and environmental campaigns to raise awareness of the effects of negligent oil exploitation in the Amazon rainforest,” the embassy said in a statement.

(ephilip2011@heraldcorp.com)