Shin Jae-suong to Hold Exhibition on Traces in Seoul
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Artist Shin Jae-suong is holding his art exhibition ``Traces'' at Yi Gallery, Insa-dong, Seoul, giving attention to things often not noticed.
There will be 27 paintings and sketches that mostly portray objects and scenes that many people tend to overlook, like old houses and deserted areas. Many paintings depict winter as well.
``I like winter. Everything that is complicated is hidden beneath snow. The only things you can see are tree branches and the clean, white snow,'' the 70-year-old artist told The Korea Times.
Although there are limits and difficulties in finding these places portrayed in his art, the painter prefers moving from place to place to discover the perfect location.
``I don't believe in photographs when I paint or sketch. I prefer examining the location myself,'' said the artist, adding that he visited Paris to find the subject matter a few months ago. The artwork he finished in Paris will also be displayed at the exhibition.
This is first exhibition in 15 years for the artist, so it will surely be an emotional undertaking for him. Shin held his first exhibition, ``Haesonghwawon,'' which literally means ``the sea and pine tree'' exhibition, in 1985. He also sent his work to be displayed at various shows and exhibitions abroad, including in Japan. He is currently a member of the Korean Fine Arts Association.
``I stopped painting for a while and then I realized that this was the moment. Many don't care about the past, or ``traces,'' but without the past there is no future. I named the exhibition (``Traces'') because everything happens based on our very own traces,'' he said.
The exhibition will continue through April 29 at Yi Gallery, Insa-dong. For more information, call (02) 736-4806.