The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of Hyundai Hwarang
Hyundai Hwarang is hosting Korean Figurative Paintings: Yoon Jungsik, Park Ko-Suk, Yim Jik Soon, and Lee Daiwon from January 23 to February 23, 2025. This exhibition brings together the iconic works of four trailblazing artists who shaped modern Korean art. Featuring masterpieces from the 1970s and 1980s, a peak period of creativity for these artists, the exhibit celebrates their significant contributions and enduring influence on Korean art history.
Yoon Jungsik (1913–2012), a native of Pyongyang, is known for his deeply nostalgic works that reflect his experiences of displacement during the Korean War. After graduating from Musashino Art University in Japan in 1939, Yoon later became a pivotal figure in Korean art as a professor at Hongik University. His works, such as depictions of the Daedong River and sunsets, encapsulate his longing for his homeland. His renowned Self-Portrait, created at the age of 70, captures his inner conflict between his aspirations and his role as a public servant. Even in his final years, Yoon's dedication to art never wavered, leaving behind a legacy cemented by his family's donation of his works.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of Hyundai Hwarang
Park Ko-Suk (1917–2002) introduced bold explorations of nature through his art. A graduate of Nihon University, Park co-founded the Modern Art Society in 1957, rejecting conventional artistic norms. His dynamic landscapes of Korea's mountains, painted during his travels to Seoraksan, Bukhansan, and Jirisan, showcase his unique spatial compositions and the vibrant textures of oil paint. Park’s work during the 1970s and 1980s solidified his reputation for conveying the majesty of nature through striking contrasts and energetic brushstrokes.
Yim Jik Soon (1921–1996) brought a meticulous approach to capturing the beauty of nature and human subjects. After studying in Tokyo, Yim dedicated his career to teaching and developing young artists in Gwangju. His works, characterized by harmonious compositions and vivid color contrasts, reflect an emotional connection to nature. Notable for his on-site painting, Yim’s works like Jwasang (Seated Image) earned him accolades, including the Presidential Award at the 6th Korea National Art Exhibition. His art transcends mere representation, offering an introspective exploration of nature’s vitality.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of Hyundai Hwarang
Lee Daiwon (1921–2005), a self-taught artist, found his artistic voice through scenes of everyday Korean life. Despite majoring in law, Lee gained acclaim for his figurative style, holding exhibitions in Germany in the late 1950s. As a professor and later chancellor of Hongik University, he influenced a generation of artists. His works, depicting stone walls, orchards, and ponds, feature bold primary colors and short brushstrokes, capturing the essence of Korea’s four seasons. Lee’s paintings go beyond representation, evoking the energy and joy of nature.
The exhibition provides a rare opportunity to explore the diverse styles and themes of these artists, who collectively expanded the horizons of Korean figurative art. Hyundai Hwarang’s retrospective not only honors their legacy but also reaffirms the enduring relevance of their work in Korean art history.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of Hyundai Hwarang
Sayart / Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of Hyundai Hwarang
Hyundai Hwarang is hosting Korean Figurative Paintings: Yoon Jungsik, Park Ko-Suk, Yim Jik Soon, and Lee Daiwon from January 23 to February 23, 2025. This exhibition brings together the iconic works of four trailblazing artists who shaped modern Korean art. Featuring masterpieces from the 1970s and 1980s, a peak period of creativity for these artists, the exhibit celebrates their significant contributions and enduring influence on Korean art history.
Yoon Jungsik (1913–2012), a native of Pyongyang, is known for his deeply nostalgic works that reflect his experiences of displacement during the Korean War. After graduating from Musashino Art University in Japan in 1939, Yoon later became a pivotal figure in Korean art as a professor at Hongik University. His works, such as depictions of the Daedong River and sunsets, encapsulate his longing for his homeland. His renowned Self-Portrait, created at the age of 70, captures his inner conflict between his aspirations and his role as a public servant. Even in his final years, Yoon's dedication to art never wavered, leaving behind a legacy cemented by his family's donation of his works.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of Hyundai Hwarang
Park Ko-Suk (1917–2002) introduced bold explorations of nature through his art. A graduate of Nihon University, Park co-founded the Modern Art Society in 1957, rejecting conventional artistic norms. His dynamic landscapes of Korea's mountains, painted during his travels to Seoraksan, Bukhansan, and Jirisan, showcase his unique spatial compositions and the vibrant textures of oil paint. Park’s work during the 1970s and 1980s solidified his reputation for conveying the majesty of nature through striking contrasts and energetic brushstrokes.
Yim Jik Soon (1921–1996) brought a meticulous approach to capturing the beauty of nature and human subjects. After studying in Tokyo, Yim dedicated his career to teaching and developing young artists in Gwangju. His works, characterized by harmonious compositions and vivid color contrasts, reflect an emotional connection to nature. Notable for his on-site painting, Yim’s works like Jwasang (Seated Image) earned him accolades, including the Presidential Award at the 6th Korea National Art Exhibition. His art transcends mere representation, offering an introspective exploration of nature’s vitality.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of Hyundai Hwarang
Lee Daiwon (1921–2005), a self-taught artist, found his artistic voice through scenes of everyday Korean life. Despite majoring in law, Lee gained acclaim for his figurative style, holding exhibitions in Germany in the late 1950s. As a professor and later chancellor of Hongik University, he influenced a generation of artists. His works, depicting stone walls, orchards, and ponds, feature bold primary colors and short brushstrokes, capturing the essence of Korea’s four seasons. Lee’s paintings go beyond representation, evoking the energy and joy of nature.
The exhibition provides a rare opportunity to explore the diverse styles and themes of these artists, who collectively expanded the horizons of Korean figurative art. Hyundai Hwarang’s retrospective not only honors their legacy but also reaffirms the enduring relevance of their work in Korean art history.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of Hyundai Hwarang
