my timesThe Korea Times
  1. Lifestyle
  2. Arts & Theater

A return to geometric abstractions

Listen
  • Published Jun 11, 2010 6:23 pm KST
  • Updated Jun 11, 2010 6:23 pm KST

By Ines Min

Staff reporter

Russia had Wassily Kandinsky and Kazimir Malevich, the Dutch had Piet Mondrian and ― though perhaps several decades late of the movement ― Korea had Lee Seung-jio.

The first of a two-part exhibition commemorating the 20th anniversary of the late artist's death opened Friday at the Ilju and Seonhwa Gallery, in central Seoul. Lee was the country's first geometric abstract artist, effectively changing the landscape of contemporary styles with his avant garde ideals. Though he may not be a household name, the revolutionary artist helped influence the Korean art scene.