Daejeon-based artist explores mortality
Paul Fortunato, a Daejeon-based artist whose surname means “lucky” in Italian, survived a horrific episode of internal bleeding that could have ended his life. During his illness and long recovery, he had to take what he describes as a “mandatory vacation.” Forced into stillness, he contemplated his life, mortality and place within the world as a vulnerable living being. Reflecting upon his past as well as his future, he responds with humor and pathos in his solo art exhibition, Circular Time, opening May 8 at the Daejeon Gallery. In an interview with The Korea Times, he described himself as being “born with a crayon in my hand.” As a child, he had considered becoming a veterinarian because of his love of animals. Instead, he decided to attend the School of Visual Arts in New York, graduating in 1984. His work has appeared in group exhibitions around the world, including the U.S., France, Spain, China and Korea. He has won accolades from the Elizabeth Foundation, the National Academy of Design, the MacDowell Colony, the Ucross Foundation and the Hillwood Art Museum. He taug
May 7, 2024By Monica Nickolai
