Pioneer of Dansaekhwa Movement and International Art Figure Leaves a Lasting Legacy

Seo Bo Park's instagram

Renowned Korean artist Park Seo-bo, a prominent figure in the development of the dansaekhwa movement, passed away at the age of 92 on Saturday. Earlier this year, Park revealed he had been diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer and chose not to undergo treatment to continue his artistry. Park's impact on the contemporary Korean art scene is substantial, particularly with his pioneering efforts in the dansaekhwa movement—a genre of monochrome paintings. His work gained international recognition, notably at the 2015 Venice Biennale, and is held in prestigious museums worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Pompidou Center in Paris. 

▲ Seo Bo Park's instagram

Born in 1931 in Yecheon, North Gyeongsang Province, Park Seo-bo studied both western and oriental painting at Hongik University's College of Fine Arts, graduating in 1954. He began teaching at Hongik University in 1962 but left after being stigmatized as a "rebellious figure." This incident spurred him to create his distinctive "Ecriture" series, exploring purposeless action in art and material properties born out of meditative action. Park's dedication to his craft remained steadfast, as seen in his continuous work on the "Ecriture" series over 55 years.

▲ Seo Bo Park's instagram
Park Seo-bo's artistry extended beyond traditional mediums, with recent forays into ceramics in collaboration with ceramists. In 2020, he emphasized the importance of spending time cultivating one's art before seeking public recognition in an era of information floods. He received the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit, the country’s highest cultural honor, in 2021, recognizing his significant contributions to Korean art.

Park Seo-bo's passing marks a notable loss in the art world, leaving behind a timeless legacy and a forthcoming museum dedicated to his art set to open on Jeju Island next year. He is survived by his wife Yoon Myeong-sook, two sons, and a daughter.

Sayart.net 

Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com