The ponds of Biwon Garden...

...still fascinate me, almost as much as the first time I had seen them in 2006. What sparked my interest then was hearing about the architectural concept behind Buyong-ji (maby the most familiar site of the Biwon Garden), reflecting the asian cosmology of round heaven and rectangular earth. If you remember my earlier sculptural works based on maps of the earth you understand my interest and fascination. Now, on thursdays I am in the habit of visiting Changdeokgung palace and its garden to document several sites, looking to wrap up these concepts in an art work who can reflect the beauty of this spot.
This week I found out about the winter schedule for the garden: Visitors are only permitted on guided tours and will not be shown the entire garden (unlike from april till november, where you can visit the garden on thursdays for the entire day). So after strolling along with a japanese tour I spent a couple of hours trying to explain my interest in the Cultural Heritage Administration. Even though I did´nt succeed in documenting the ponds I had wanted to, they pointed me in the direction for getting permission for further visits while presenting me with their publication from the past year - I wish the Germans (...or fill in other nationality...) would consider this a way to treat the visitors at their "Ausländerbehörde"!