A Masterpiece of Nature: “Cheongnyangdae Undo”
Yasong Lee Won-Jwa’s masterpiece, “Cheongnyangdae Undo,” is a large-scale landscape painting of Cheongnyangsan Mountain in Cheongsong, Gyeongsangbuk-do. This monumental work, which took him 20 years to complete, is considered one of the largest and most magnificent landscape paintings in Korea. Despite his declining health, Yasong persisted, meticulously capturing the grandeur of nature.
Philosophical Contemplation through Nature
Yasong’s works go beyond depicting the appearance of nature; they reflect deep philosophical contemplation. He used nature to reflect on the human inner world and explore the essence of life through the tranquility of the natural world. His landscape paintings adhere to traditional Korean ink painting techniques while incorporating modern philosophy and artistic sensitivity.
Innate Talent and a Lifelong Artistic Passion
From a young age, Yasong Lee Won-Jwa demonstrated extraordinary artistic talent. He sought to connect his inner self with nature through his paintings. After receiving formal art education in Seoul, he traveled across Korea, capturing the country’s natural beauty on canvas. He dedicated his life to the pursuit of artistic excellence, rather than commercial success, always focusing on depicting nature and embedding his own self into his works.
Cheongsong Municipal Art Museum: Honoring Yasong’s Artistic Legacy
The Cheongsong Municipal Art Museum (Yasong Art Museum) was established in Cheongsong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, to honor Yasong Lee Won-Jwa’s artistic legacy. The museum showcases his masterpieces, as well as a variety of his other works, allowing visitors to experience the world of nature he created. Particularly noteworthy is the exhibition in the museum’s annex, which presents works that span his 60-year artistic career.
Dialogue with Nature, Artistic Transformation
Yasong Lee Won-Jwa continuously engaged in dialogue with nature, drawing artistic inspiration from it. His works are not mere depictions of the natural world but are a transformation of the emotions and thoughts he discovered within it. His brushwork ranges from bold to delicate, capturing the breath of nature and the moments where nature and humanity become one.
Yasong’s Legacy
Yasong Lee Won-Jwa’s legacy extends beyond his body of work. He preserved the value of traditional ink painting while adding a modern sensibility, opening new horizons in Korean art. His works have inspired many subsequent artists, showing how art and nature can coexist harmoniously. His philosophy continues to resonate deeply with audiences today.
The Endless Exploration of Harmony between Art and Nature
Throughout his life, Yasong Lee Won-Jwa continuously explored the harmony between art and nature. In his works, nature is not merely a background but a profound philosophical subject intertwined with the human inner world. His landscape paintings go beyond the mere beauty of nature, delving into the life force within it and the essence of humanity that can be found within its depths.
Yasong Lee Won-Jwa, A Master of Traditional Korean Landscape Painting
Yasong Lee Won-Jwa is a significant figure in Korean art history. He reinterpreted traditional Korean landscape painting with a modern sensibility to create a unique, original style. Yasong’s works encapsulate the beauty of Korean nature while reflecting his profound philosophy and emotions. His paintings opened new horizons in traditional Korean landscape painting, demonstrating his deep affection for nature.
