Ven. Seongpa, the 15th Supreme Patriarch of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, has unveiled a breathtaking collection of 120 artworks that reflect his six decades of Buddhist practice and 40 years of artistic creation. The exhibition, titled “Seongpa Seonye – COSMOS,” is currently on display at the Seoul Arts Center and offers a deep exploration of his unique artistic philosophy, merging spiritual discipline with various artistic media.
Known for his mastery of both Buddhist meditation and the visual arts, Ven. Seongpa’s works span a wide range of genres, from calligraphy and painting to ceramics and sculpture. However, the central focus of this exhibition is his extensive use of lacquer, a material he finds most aligned with his spiritual practice. As Seongpa himself notes, “When I lacquer, all my thoughts disappear. The more you repeat the act of applying and abrading lacquer layers, the true color is revealed, which is Seon (Zen) training itself.”
The exhibition is divided into five thematic sections: Origin, Fluid, Illusion, Creation, Trace, and Invisible, each offering a window into different stages of his life and spiritual journey. Visitors are first greeted by towering black lacquered pillars in the Origin section, whose deep, polished surfaces evoke the vastness of the universe. As one moves through the exhibition, the intricate layers of lacquer symbolize the meditative process, where repetition and refinement lead to clarity and understanding.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the exhibition is found in the Invisible section, where Ven. Seongpa has submerged his lacquer pieces underwater. By doing so, he highlights the water-resistant and durable qualities of lacquer, a material he reveres for its ability to withstand the test of time. “Lacquer does not decay even after a thousand years. Its properties do not change even in water,” Seongpa explained, emphasizing its unparalleled durability and antibacterial qualities.
Born in Hapcheon in 1939, Seongpa became a Buddhist monk at the age of 21. His journey through the years has seen him evolve not only as a spiritual leader but also as a respected artist whose works are revered for their deep connection to Buddhist teachings. His artistic practice is a reflection of his life philosophy, where art is seen not as separate from life but as an extension of his meditative practice. “The Tao is not something separate. It is found in the ordinary mind. These works are the result of my ordinary mind. They are the traces of my life that flowed like water,” he shared during the exhibition opening.
The exhibit also features large-scale sculptures and water-based installations, including works that are three meters tall, demonstrating Seongpa’s ability to work across various scales and media. Each piece invites the viewer to experience the delicate balance between materiality and spirituality, challenging conventional distinctions between art and meditation.
The significance of this exhibition extends beyond the visual; it encapsulates Seongpa’s holistic view of life, where mindfulness and artistic expression are inseparable. For Seongpa, creating art is not merely an act of crafting objects but an ongoing process of self-reflection and spiritual growth.
This exhibition has drawn the attention of art and spiritual leaders alike, with many prominent figures attending the opening ceremony, further highlighting the cultural and spiritual importance of Seongpa’s work. The exhibition will run until November 17, offering a rare opportunity to experience the confluence of Buddhist philosophy and contemporary art in one of Korea’s premier art venues.
As Ven. Seongpa’s works continue to inspire and challenge viewers, this exhibition serves as both a testament to his journey and a broader reflection on the intersection of spirituality and creativity.
Sayart / Jason Yim, yimjongho1969@gmail.com
