Actor Ha Jung-woo holds solo exhibit in NY

“Untitled #ny10” by Ha Jung-woo / Courtesy of Able Fine Art NY

More entertainers jump into art world

By Kwon Mee-yoo

Ha Jung-woo is a man of versatility. He is one of Korea's top leading male actors known for his powerful acting in hit movies such as "Kundo: Age of the Rampant," "The Berlin File" and "The Yellow Sea." However, he has since moved on and worked as a scriptwriter and director in the 2013 movie "Fasten Your Seatbelt," followed by another Ha-helmed film "Chronicle of a Blood Merchant" last year.

In addition to his successful career in film, Ha is also an established artist. A self-taught painter, his works are now appreciated by collectors both inside and outside Korea.

Ha began painting as a hobby but soon developed a unique style based on his life as an entertainer. Since his maiden exhibit in 2010, his works have been featured at galleries and art fairs in Seoul, Hong Kong, Los Angeles and many more.

“Our Town.s” by Ha Jung-woo / Courtesy of Able Fine Art NY

Ha is currently holding a solo exhibit at Able Fine Art NY Gallery in New York's Chelsea art district. Titled "Friends," 24 of Ha's recent works are on display at the exhibition which opened on Thursday and is running through June 9. This is Ha’s second overseas exhibit this year, following a solo exhibit “Pause” at Pyo Gallery LA.

According to the Able Fine Art NY Gallery, which specializes in introducing Korean artists to the world’s most vibrant contemporary art community, Ha's latest paintings capture everyday life inspired by his acquaintances, mainly using oil marker and color pencils.

"Constantly playing someone else as an actor, the residue of intense emotion requires an outlet. His paintings are served as a means of outlet and meditation for Ha," the gallery said in a statement.

Ha's primitive and unencumbered painting style is mostly a hybrid of Pop art and Expressionism, similar to the graffiti artists of the 1980s.

Ha Jung-woo / Korea Times file photo

Though Ha's work has its critics, his paintings are widely appreciated by collectors. He sold all his paintings at his first New York exhibition at the Walter Wickiser Gallery in 2013.

Ha is not the only actor who has ventured into other fields. Actor Lee Jung-jin, known for his appearance in the award-winning 2012 film "Pieta," also made his debut as a photographer last month. In the era of cameras everywhere, everyone can take photos, but being a professional photographer is something else.

Currently underway at Tulip Gallery and Studio in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, south of Seoul, through June 5, Lee's photo exhibit features some 82 pieces.

Lee took pictures of his fellow actors while shooting television dramas and captured backstage moments of singers of JYP Entertainment, which is also Lee's agency. He also took photos of Kenya and Nepal, where he went to do volunteer work.

Veteran singer Cho Young-nam and actress and director Koo Hye-sun are also known for their artistic works. While such celebrities’ artworks excite interest in contemporary art, some experts argue that their works are unqualified to be considered fine art.