The materiality
The primary creative material of Lee Jin Woo originates from the ground, utilizing charcoal and hanji (traditional Korean paper) to expand the materiality of his works. Charcoal and hanji, characterized by the simplicity of their extraction and ease of use, are among the most common and basic materials in both Eastern and Western painting.The artist layers hanji over arranged charcoal blocks, sprays the surface with water, and repeatedly brushes them with a metal brush, allowing the paper pulp to penetrate the charcoal. Under consistent pressure, cracks appear in the charcoal. This process is repeated dozens of times, with repetition serving as a crucial creative concept for Lee Jin Woo. The act of covering with mulberry paper serves to clear his cluttered thoughts through intense physical exhaustion, leaving physical traces on the canvas as time passes.
Inner reflection
The exhibition’s title, “Inflowing Ground”, draws from the Taoist idea that “water benefits all things without contention, and the earth carries all things without words.” On the one hand, it reflects Lee Jin Woo’s humble and unpretentious nature, on the other hand, it highlights his integration of art and nature, transcending established frameworks. Inspired by the earth’s power to embrace all things, Lee Jin Woo transforms the creative process into a simulation of landform evolution. The charcoal develops fissures under friction, while the soft paper layers fill the gaps, connecting the blocks into rugged “hills”. In this process, Lee Jin Woo views his art as an inquiry into self-identity, diminishing the role of the “creator” and simplifying color and titles to minimize distractions for the viewer. Through his works, the force of life is imprinted as an eternal carrier.
About artist
Lee Jin Woo was born in Seoul, South Korea, in 1959 and currently lives and works in Paris. His art extends from the Korean Dansaekhwa movement, yet transcends its political context to explore a more universal spiritual expression. His works have been exhibited at prominent institutions and galleries, including the Asia Society France, White Cube Gallery, Leeahn Gallery in Korea, Tokyo Gallery + BTAP, Long Museum, Powerlong Museum, and Daegu Museum. His works are held in public collections such as the Daegu Museum in Korea, Fondation Boghossian, Powerlong Museum, Long Museum, and Musée Cernuschi. In 2007, Lee Jin Woo was awarded the Fondation de France-Fondation Charles Oulmont Prize.
