The Korea Herald

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POSCO Art Museum presents beauty of bamboo trees

By 이우영

Published : Sept. 2, 2015 - 17:53

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POSCO Art Museum is holding a solo exhibition for Moon Bong-sun, an ink-and-wash painting master known for his delicate depiction of natural subjects, until Oct. 6.

The exhibition presents 42 ink-and-wash paintings of bamboo trees and stones that symbolize integrity and fidelity in traditional Korean painting. Also on view are calligraphy pieces and a video introduction to the works of Moon. 

“Bamboo in Snow” by Moon Bong-sun (POSCO Art Museum) “Bamboo in Snow” by Moon Bong-sun (POSCO Art Museum)

Highlighted pieces are paintings of bamboo trees in different weather conditions -- in wind, rain and snow. Each painting features Moon’s simple and elegant strokes that deliver delicate aesthetics and spiritual values the bamboo represent.

Moon traveled to provincial towns such as Damyang, Naju, Jinju and Ulsan -- traditionally known for their beautiful bamboo forests -- to discover the perfect form of bamboo. He makes regular trips across the country in search of the natural beauty of Korea. 
“Bamboo in Rain” by Moon Bong-sun (POSCO Art Museum) “Bamboo in Rain” by Moon Bong-sun (POSCO Art Museum)

The artist never leaves his home without a sketchbook, pencils, brushes and Korean “meok” ink stone, but leaves his camera at home for a “real” documentation of nature.

“One cannot surpass tradition without mastering it,” Moon noted.

During the “Fresh Wind and High Integrity” exhibition, the museum will also hold a traditional Korean music concert that offers a harmony of diverse traditional instruments such as the haegeum, gayageum and geomungo on Sept. 30.

The exhibition is being held at the POSCO Art Museum in Daechi-dong, Gangnam, Seoul. For more information, visit www.poscoartmuseum.org.

By Lee Woo-young (wylee@heraldcorp.com)