Samsung family's love of art

By Kwon Bong-woon

Samsung Group founder Lee Byung-chull (1910-87) was absorbed in calligraphy while living as a small merchant in Daegu. He developed an ability to appreciate art, which expanded gradually into ceramics and antiques. Later, he became a collector of art.

His son, Lee Kun-hee (1942-2020), a former chairman of Samsung Group, also had a good aesthetic sense of art. But his artistic perspective was different from that of his father. No matter how expensive the piece, if he deemed it a masterpiece, he did not hesitate to purchase it. He tried to cultivate an eye for art and frequently visited experts, building up his knowledge of art.

Meanwhile, Hong Ra-hee, his widow, won a prize in the National Exhibition when she was a student at National Seoul University. From then on, she cultivated a sense of art. After getting married, she started studying art in Insa-dong with the money her father-in law (Lee Byung-chull) gave her. She collected many works of art when she was the director of Samsung Leeum Museum of Art. As Leeum director, she collected some of the best works of Western contemporary art. With her husband, she sponsored artists such as Nam June Paik and Lee Ufan and supported their exhibitions.

The world is surprised by the vast scale and high level of Lee Kun-hee's collection, which was revealed through Samsung's art donation. The passion that has been cultivated for generations of a family has made this possible. Art lovers can spend their whole life working for art.

Art in any form, whether while creating or observing, reduces the stress hormone called cortisol. It also releases the feel-good hormones called endorphins, which help us combat stress and pain. By letting us enjoy a sense of satisfaction, it transforms us into more positive, well-rounded human beings. Art is inspiring and stimulating for the human mind when we see a work of art, our feelings and thoughts are often awakened.

Art is also used by art therapists, psychotherapists and clinical psychologists as a form of therapy. Shortly defined, art therapy means using artistic activities and products resulting from these activities in order to enhance people's well-being. Art therapy may help us have a better view of our inner conflicts and emotional deadlock and to understand what has to be done to deal with them. We need to be interested in art for mental health.

The nature of art and related concepts, such as creating and interpretation, are explored in a branch of philosophy known as aesthetics.

It was an opportunity to further elevate the status of culture Korea by donating Samsung's high-quality art collection gathered over generations to the country.

The writer worked at a bank in Seoul. His email is kbw8234664@naver.com.