Laurence Geoffrey's, Ltd.

Although much of modern Korean art, particularly in the last century, has closely followed Western styles and movements, there is a significant and growing number of artists who have continued to pursue and in some cases rediscover the value of traditional Korean art concepts, aesthetics and materials. While remaining true to their personal journeys as artists in this contemporary world of ever-increasing globalization and often choosing to work with medium commonly used in the West, they still find inspiration in their East Asian cultural heritage. Indeed, many of the thought processes that inspire their art are deeply rooted in ancient Korean philosophy and the concepts of traditional Korean art. Having been exposed to a variety of ideas and materials both Eastern and Western, Korean artists today are exploring, experimenting and advancing all the more their independent artistic expressions in pursuit of both beauty and truth.

The twelve living artists presented in this exhibition were specifically selected to display both the dynamics and diversity of their work within the context of the title: Simply Beautiful: Breath of Nature in Contemporary Korean Art. They all recognize that art is not a continual reproduction or imitation of static forms and as true artists they must continually breathe new life and creativity into their endeavors. Accordingly, they have constantly strived to find expression in a variety of ways that reflect the past, mirror the present and envision the future. They possess strong emotional and spiritual ties to their native landscape and culture and draw from Korean aesthetics to sustain, complement and further their contemporary statement. The creative energy that is achieved in this process is innovative and exciting, uplifting and beautiful.

Throughout ancient and modern civilizations around the world, nature has been a constant source of inspiration for countless artists and art forms. However, the approach to nature in the East and West in particular has varied widely and offers two very different perspectives. Nature and humanity in the West are predominantly viewed separately and objectively, the latter being able to dominate over or impose itself on the former. In the East a more subjective perception of nature and humanity being interwoven and inseparable is prevalent, the latter existing in harmony with the former. The artists in this exhibition are very much in tune with the Eastern notions of humanity and nature and from this perspective intentionally seek to unlock and understand all of nature’s deepest and most sacred manifestations in their works. Their exploration of nature spiritually reverberates and evokes images, emotions and memories that are unique to Korea and Koreans. At the same time, there is universality in their pursuit and artistic accomplishment that spiritually resonates beyond all borders.

In vastly different ways, each artist included in this show draws breath from nature to find meaningful expression for his or her notions and ideas. And in the process, each hopes the viewer gains a perspective beyond the immediate beauty in things and in nature in order to discover the more intangible, yet sustaining qualities of beauty from which all living matter emerges from, exists in and returns to. Traditionally, Korean culture and aesthetics have been rooted in nature and sought to be in harmony with it. While much has changed in modern living and thought, still strong ties to this connection with nature remain. In fact, in recent years there has been a growing trend and even urgency to maintain this balance with nature and regain it where it has been lost.

Traditional art genres in calligraphy, painting, ceramics, architecture and craft have emphasized simple lines and gentle tones, temperance and blank space, equilibrium and harmony. Nature was not something to be controlled or overpowered, but respected and honored.

As this exhibition demonstrates, many Korean artists today have found diverse ways to respect and honor these same roots in harmony with nature as they balance universal and indigenous art forms and materials. This diversity extends to what they express and how they express it. Ultimately, however, they are united in their desire to maintain certain traditions and values deemed essential to the culture and art of Korea.

This unity can be seen most strongly in the focus and emphasis they all put on the creative process more than the final outcome itself. Art is essentially the venture of being an artist, which is often labor intensive and repetitive, spiritually demanding and meditative. Traditionally, calligraphy and painting in East Asia were arts to be mastered through incredible discipline and repetition in pursuit of perfection. Chinese characters, mountain scenes, flowers and bamboo stems were all common subject matter to be perfected with a brush on paper. While the motifs and materials may have gone through radical changes, clear traces of such dedication can be found in both the creative process and artwork of the artists included in this exhibition. The repetition of minute details, the repetition of breathing and drawing, tracing and painting, grinding and layering, soaking and cutting-all are manifestations of such dedication and passion. The artists both aggressively and passively interact with the materials over time yet do not force a certain or predetermined outcome to control the process. Working in harmony with nature, their art is for the most part allowed to take its inherent course. It is a spiritual journey that resonates with a clear breath of nature.