Lee, Jong Gu

Place: Seosan

Born: 1954

Biography:

Lee, Jong Gu is a Korean artist born in 1954 in Seosan, South Korea. He is known for his paintings, often using acrylic and collage techniques. One of his notable works is Black Grassland (2008), which showcases his unique style and technique.

Early Life and Education

Lee, Jong Gu studied at Chungang University in Seoul and later earned his M.F.A. in Arts Education from Inha University in Incheon. His work is deeply rooted in the realities of Korean folk life, and he has been painting rural scenes for over two decades.

Artistic Style and Technique

Lee, Jong Gu's paintings often feature acrylic and collage techniques, which give his works a unique texture and visual appeal. His use of acrylic on paper is particularly notable, as seen in his painting Black Grassland. This large-scale artwork measures 1120 x 1620 cm and is currently housed at the Korean Art Museum Association (Seoul, South Korea).

Notable Works and Exhibitions

Some of Lee, Jong Gu's notable works include Black Grassland (2008), which can be found on Wikioo.org. His paintings have been exhibited at various museums and galleries, including the National Museum of Korea (Seoul, South Korea) and the Korean Art Museum Association (Seoul, South Korea).

Influences and Style

Lee, Jong Gu's work is influenced by the Suiboku ga Art Movement, a type of Chinese ink brush painting that uses washes of black ink in different concentrations. This style emphasizes virtuoso brushwork and conveying the perceived "spirit" or "essence" of a subject over direct imitation.

• Ink wash painting flourished from the Song dynasty in China (960–1279) onwards, as well as in Japan after it was introduced by Zen Buddhist monks in the 14th century.
• The Suiboku ga Art Movement is particularly associated with the Chán or Zen sect of Buddhism, which emphasizes "simplicity, spontaneity and self-expression", and Daoism, which emphasizes "spontaneity and harmony with nature."

Lee, Jong Gu's unique style and technique have made him a prominent figure in modern Korean art. His paintings continue to inspire and captivate audiences, and his work can be found on Wikioo.org.