Korean Painting

Korean painting can be traced as far back as the fourth century around the area of Lelang. Korean painting has been heavily influenced by Chinese philosophy, but a style developed that was decidedly Korean. Korean painting became known for it's simplicity and realism. Although much of Korean art has been lost in the many conflicts that have been waged, the works that remain are admired around the world for their beauty and style.

Traditional Korean Painting

Traditional Korean painters opted for a realistic interpretation of their subjects rather than and idealistic one. Korean painting was influenced by the Chinese until the Joseon Dynasty. Painting subjects consisted of Korean astronomy which was developing at the time, landscapes, facial features, and Buddhism. Chong Son (1676-1759), an artist of this period created works of great historical value. His work was a departure from current trends. He is noted for his chin'gyong sansu style or true-view landscape.

Traditional paintings have consisted of monochromatic work and colorful folk art. This was a class-based separation. Use of color was thought to limit the imagination by some Confucian art scholars and so portraits were created using black brushwork on silk or mulberry paper canvases. The folk art that used a more colorful palette, usually depicted powerful deities with themes of instability in contrast to the idealized monochromatic paintings of the upper-classes.

Modern Korean Painting

Many of Korea's modern artist are continuing to advance the traditional art forms. The idea is to keep an artistic connection with Korean history and culture. Artists using this style are referring back to the subjects of nature and astronomy that were subjects of traditional art. They are using the traditional black ink and color techniques while adding a modern perspective.

Another trend in Korean modern art is to break away from the traditional form and embark on creating something from the modern generation's perspective. This form is characterized by abstractionism, which is a form that emerged after the Second World War. It is the perspective of artists in this movement that much of traditional art, calligraphy, sculpture and handicrafts already lent itself to abstractionism with it's emphasis on nature and de-emphasis on artificiality. Korean painters such as Kwon Yong-u and Yun Hyong-gun were leaders in this style.