Park Seo Bo: The Master of Dansaekhwa and His Timeless Legacy
Jason Yim / Published October 16, 2024 01:29 AM
Jason Yim
The portrait of the artist, Courtesy of the artist's Instagram
Park Seo-Bo, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Korean contemporary art, is best known as the father of the "Dansaekhwa" (Korean monochrome painting) movement. Born in 1931 in Yecheon, Gyeongbuk Province, Park belonged to a generation that endured the turbulence of the Korean War (1950–1953), a period that left an indelible mark on his artistic philosophy and direction.
After initially experimenting with Western abstract styles, particularly Art Informel, which he was introduced to during his time in Paris in 1961, Park soon found himself drawn to more introspective and spiritually rooted methodologies. His practice began to shift towards a deeper exploration of Korean cultural traditions, particularly calligraphy, while also drawing inspiration from Taoist and Buddhist philosophies. This fusion of traditional Korean elements with abstract expression formed the basis for what would become his most iconic series, the "Ecriture" paintings.
Untitled (based on Ecriture No. 12-176, 1976), 2020, Limited edition artist print on cotton, 50 x 70 cm, edition of 100, Courtesy of the artist's Instagram
The "Ecriture" series, initiated in the late 1960s, is central to Park Seo-Bo’s legacy. These works are grounded in repetitive, rhythmic gestures, often involving the drawing of pencil lines into wet paint, resulting in textured surfaces that reflect a meditative process. This repetition, akin to a spiritual practice, speaks to Park’s philosophical exploration of time, space, and materiality. As the series evolved, Park incorporated hanji, a traditional Korean paper made from mulberry bark, onto his canvases. This material, known for its durability and texture, allowed him to layer his paintings, further exploring the theme of reduction and emptiness.
Over the years, Park’s "Ecriture" series became symbolic of his quest for inner peace and the transcendence of the material world. The meticulous repetition of lines, often described as "writing" or "mark-making," serves as a metaphor for life’s continuous cycles and the impermanence of existence. Park himself described his artistic process as a search for “emptiness,” a state in which the ego is stripped away, and only the essence of the artwork remains.
The portrait of the artist in 1970s, Courtesy of the artist's Instagram
Throughout his career, Park Seo-Bo was not only a prolific artist but also an influential educator and advocate for Korean contemporary art. He graduated from Hong-Ik University’s painting department in 1954, later becoming its dean in 1973. His contributions to art education helped foster new generations of Korean artists, ensuring that the legacy of Korean modern art continued to grow. Park was widely recognized for his work both nationally and internationally, receiving numerous accolades, including the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit in 2021, Korea’s highest cultural honor.
Park’s dedication to his craft never wavered, even in his later years. His commitment to the philosophical underpinnings of his work—especially the integration of nature, time, and space—remained steadfast. He continued to evolve his practice, adapting his materials and techniques but always maintaining the spiritual essence of his early work. This dedication was especially evident in his later works, where the simplicity of form and depth of meaning combined to create visually compelling and emotionally resonant pieces.
Écriture No.160523, 2016, Courtesy of White Cube
In addition to his practice, Park played a pivotal role in the global recognition of Dansaekhwa as a movement. Alongside other leading figures, such as Lee Ufan and Chung Sang-Hwa, Park helped to establish Dansaekhwa as Korea’s most significant post-war art movement. Dansaekhwa, characterized by its minimalist aesthetic and use of natural materials, aimed to bridge the gap between the spiritual and the material, a philosophy central to Park’s work.
Park Seo-Bo’s contributions to art extended far beyond his practice. His leadership roles in various art organizations, including the Korean Fine Arts Association, allowed him to shape the direction of Korean art on both a domestic and international level. His tireless efforts to promote Korean art globally have left a lasting impact, and his works are now housed in major institutions worldwide, including the Guggenheim Museum, the Centre Pompidou, and the Tate Modern.
The portrait of the artist in Studio, Courtesy of the artist's Instagram
Park Seo-Bo passed away on October 14, 2023, at the age of 92, but his influence continues to be felt across the art world. His life’s work, particularly the "Ecriture" series, stands as a testament to the power of art as a medium for spiritual exploration and cultural expression. Park’s legacy is not only in the paintings he left behind but also in the generations of artists he inspired, both in Korea and around the world.
Through his art, Park Seo-Bo demonstrated that minimalism and abstraction could be deeply personal, meditative, and transformative. His exploration of time, space, and materiality transcended cultural boundaries, making his work universally relevant while remaining deeply rooted in Korean tradition. As the world continues to appreciate his profound contributions, Park Seo-Bo’s place as a central figure in modern art history is firmly cemented.
The portrait of the artist, Courtesy of the artist's Instagram Photo by JU ANQI
Sayart / Jason Yim, yimjongho1969@gmail.com
The portrait of the artist, Courtesy of the artist's Instagram
Park Seo-Bo, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Korean contemporary art, is best known as the father of the "Dansaekhwa" (Korean monochrome painting) movement. Born in 1931 in Yecheon, Gyeongbuk Province, Park belonged to a generation that endured the turbulence of the Korean War (1950–1953), a period that left an indelible mark on his artistic philosophy and direction.
After initially experimenting with Western abstract styles, particularly Art Informel, which he was introduced to during his time in Paris in 1961, Park soon found himself drawn to more introspective and spiritually rooted methodologies. His practice began to shift towards a deeper exploration of Korean cultural traditions, particularly calligraphy, while also drawing inspiration from Taoist and Buddhist philosophies. This fusion of traditional Korean elements with abstract expression formed the basis for what would become his most iconic series, the "Ecriture" paintings.
Untitled (based on Ecriture No. 12-176, 1976), 2020, Limited edition artist print on cotton, 50 x 70 cm, edition of 100, Courtesy of the artist's Instagram
The "Ecriture" series, initiated in the late 1960s, is central to Park Seo-Bo’s legacy. These works are grounded in repetitive, rhythmic gestures, often involving the drawing of pencil lines into wet paint, resulting in textured surfaces that reflect a meditative process. This repetition, akin to a spiritual practice, speaks to Park’s philosophical exploration of time, space, and materiality. As the series evolved, Park incorporated hanji, a traditional Korean paper made from mulberry bark, onto his canvases. This material, known for its durability and texture, allowed him to layer his paintings, further exploring the theme of reduction and emptiness.
Over the years, Park’s "Ecriture" series became symbolic of his quest for inner peace and the transcendence of the material world. The meticulous repetition of lines, often described as "writing" or "mark-making," serves as a metaphor for life’s continuous cycles and the impermanence of existence. Park himself described his artistic process as a search for “emptiness,” a state in which the ego is stripped away, and only the essence of the artwork remains.
The portrait of the artist in 1970s, Courtesy of the artist's Instagram
Throughout his career, Park Seo-Bo was not only a prolific artist but also an influential educator and advocate for Korean contemporary art. He graduated from Hong-Ik University’s painting department in 1954, later becoming its dean in 1973. His contributions to art education helped foster new generations of Korean artists, ensuring that the legacy of Korean modern art continued to grow. Park was widely recognized for his work both nationally and internationally, receiving numerous accolades, including the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit in 2021, Korea’s highest cultural honor.
Park’s dedication to his craft never wavered, even in his later years. His commitment to the philosophical underpinnings of his work—especially the integration of nature, time, and space—remained steadfast. He continued to evolve his practice, adapting his materials and techniques but always maintaining the spiritual essence of his early work. This dedication was especially evident in his later works, where the simplicity of form and depth of meaning combined to create visually compelling and emotionally resonant pieces.
Écriture No.160523, 2016, Courtesy of White Cube
In addition to his practice, Park played a pivotal role in the global recognition of Dansaekhwa as a movement. Alongside other leading figures, such as Lee Ufan and Chung Sang-Hwa, Park helped to establish Dansaekhwa as Korea’s most significant post-war art movement. Dansaekhwa, characterized by its minimalist aesthetic and use of natural materials, aimed to bridge the gap between the spiritual and the material, a philosophy central to Park’s work.
Park Seo-Bo’s contributions to art extended far beyond his practice. His leadership roles in various art organizations, including the Korean Fine Arts Association, allowed him to shape the direction of Korean art on both a domestic and international level. His tireless efforts to promote Korean art globally have left a lasting impact, and his works are now housed in major institutions worldwide, including the Guggenheim Museum, the Centre Pompidou, and the Tate Modern.
The portrait of the artist in Studio, Courtesy of the artist's Instagram
Park Seo-Bo passed away on October 14, 2023, at the age of 92, but his influence continues to be felt across the art world. His life’s work, particularly the "Ecriture" series, stands as a testament to the power of art as a medium for spiritual exploration and cultural expression. Park’s legacy is not only in the paintings he left behind but also in the generations of artists he inspired, both in Korea and around the world.
Through his art, Park Seo-Bo demonstrated that minimalism and abstraction could be deeply personal, meditative, and transformative. His exploration of time, space, and materiality transcended cultural boundaries, making his work universally relevant while remaining deeply rooted in Korean tradition. As the world continues to appreciate his profound contributions, Park Seo-Bo’s place as a central figure in modern art history is firmly cemented.
The portrait of the artist, Courtesy of the artist's Instagram Photo by JU ANQI
