'My Garden': Choi Myung-ae's artworks

By Choe Chong-dae

The exhibition "My Garden: Choi Myung-ae" is currently being held at Gallery Joeun in Itaewon, near the Leeum Museum in Seoul. It began on July 13 and will continue until Aug. 5. I had the pleasure of attending the exhibition through a special invitation from the gallery, where I received detailed explanations about Choi's distinctive works directly from the artist herself.

My interest in Choi's art stems from her spouse, Huh Woo-sung, who has been a professor of philosophy at Kyung Hee University for several decades. He is well-known for his translation of “The Moral and Political Writings of Mahatma Gandhi.”

Choi, born and grew up in Yeongcheon, a rural city in North Gyeongsang Province, displayed exceptional talent in art from a young age. She pursued higher education, obtaining her bachelor's degree in painting in 1974 and s master's degree from Seoul National University in 1980. She further pursued a master's in fine arts at the University of Hawaii, completing it in 1987. Throughout her career, she has served as a visiting professor at various universities, including Sejong, Kyung Hee, Kangnam and Busan Women's University.

In the face of the global climate crisis, Choi finds solace and inspiration by transcending the limits of time and space through her art. The garden and natural forest hold a significant place in her creative process, serving as sanctuaries where her artistic vision thrives. Her garden holds profound significance beyond mere decoration or a place of relaxation. Over the decades, she has meticulously nurtured the garden, transforming it into a reflection of her deepest artistic emotions.

Nestled on the outskirts of Seoul, the garden surrounding her cozy wooden house features distinctive elements. The area behind her house showcases a serene landscape with a sprawling lawn and majestic pine trees, while the front garden is adorned with an array of flowers and a charming narrow pathway, inviting solitary strolls. Though not extensive in size, the intimate space is adorned with vibrant hues and fragrances carried by the breeze. It features roses, hydrangeas, azaleas, lilacs, chrysanthemums, persimmons and maple trees. The presence of crawling insects fosters an ecological environment that provides visual delights throughout the seasons.

Choi discovers profound inspiration within the enchanting allure of her garden, ushering in a transformative chapter in her artistic odyssey. The allure of nature fosters a spiritual bond, nurturing her evolution through patience and diligent care. Within this small ecological space, diverse elements such as flowers, ants, earthworms, magpies and stray cats coexist harmoniously. Exploring the nuances of soil, rocks, plants and the majestic presence of Mount Gwanak revitalizes her physically and spiritually. The captivating aesthetics of the natural world energize her, inspiring a deeper appreciation for the wonders that surround her.

Through this connection, Choi's artistic journey gains newfound momentum as she draws strength and inspiration from the earth beneath her feet and the beauty around her. Her artworks are characterized by distinctive abstract forms eschewing specific shapes. They resemble compressed poems or abstract music, capturing her unique sensibility.

The colors and lines in her paintings, known as "Automatic Path," reflect her personal writing style and abstract expressionism. A comparison can be drawn to the renowned American painter Joan Mitchell, known for her innovative and abstract paintings of landscapes.

Choi Myung-ae's artistic philosophy revolves around using colors to represent psychological states and lines to express vitality. She is known for her neo-naturalistic art, which goes beyond conventional perceptions and draws inspiration from her own visions. Transcending societal, religious and political discourses, Choi attempts to explore aesthetics and the transformative and intriguing power of beauty. Her art depicts environmental conservation and aims to foster a harmonious coexistence between nature and humanity. By intertwining human relationships with the natural world, Choi's creations evoke emotions and provide aesthetic pleasure, promoting a balanced and mutually beneficial relationship between humans and nature.

Choe Chong-dae is a guest columnist of The Korea Times. He is president of Dae-kwang International Co., and director of the Korean-Swedish Association. He can be reached at choecd@naver.com