서울시립미술관 SEOUL MUSEUM OF ART

CHUN KYUNG-JA CENTENNIAL

Toward the Soul-Stirring Wind 

The Seoul Museum of Art proudly presents Toward the Soul-Stirring Wind, a permanent exhibition of the Chun Kyung-ja Collection commemorating the 100th anniversary of Chun Kyung-ja’s birth.

Chun Kyung-ja (1924–2015), a pivotal figure in Korean art history, carved out a distinctive niche in the realm of Korean chaesaekhwa (Asian color painting). She defied the constraints of formal traditionalism and embraced coloration, embarking on numerous experiments to forge a unique artistic style. In 1998, Chun donated 93 meticulously preserved pieces of her artwork to the Seoul Museum of Art, ensuring the accessibility and longevity of her artistic legacy for future generations.

Spanning six decades, from the 1940s to the 1990s, the Chun Kyung-ja collection at the Seoul Museum of Art includes an array of artworks personally selected and donated by the artist. Many of these pieces were regarded as “paintings created from travel” during their time. The current exhibition not only delves into her well-known representative works but also offers a detailed exploration of her travel paintings.

The title of the exhibition, Toward the Soul-Stirring Wind, originates from a travel essay penned by Chun Kyung-ja in 1986. It metaphorically portrays the essence of her life and artistic journey that transcended various boundaries―psychological, physical, geographical, and cultural―akin to the wind. The exhibition showcases 30 pieces organized into four thematic sections: “A World of Fantasy, Affection, and Sorrow beyond Reconciliation,” “Journey of Dreams and Wind,” “Art and Romance,” and “A Woman of Freedom.” It aims to deepen the audience’s understanding of Chun Kyung-ja’s life and works, highlighting her multifaceted nature while ensuring her legacy resonates with a diverse audience.