Korean painter Suh Jeong-min to showcase at Art Miami 2024

South Korean artist Suh Jeong-min plans to showcase a total of seven paintings at the forthcoming Art Miami 2024, which will take place in the United States next month.

Ahead of the demonstration, Korea News Plus had an interview with Suh, who is renowned for his innovative approach to traditional Korean art forms.

Based on his lifelong exploration of the “Korean line” made of hanji, or traditional Korean paper, his works often involve large-sized pieces, some extending to more than 10 meters.

To come up with such artworks, the 63-year-old still works around the clock _ at least 15 hours a day without any holidays.

His disciplined practice involves extensive hours of meticulous work, balancing the creation of large-scale pieces with the planning required for international exhibitions.

He should undergo a 10-step procedure to prepare for materials for his painting with hanji used for calligraphy practice. He does that on his own.

“My artistic philosophy pivots around the intrinsic value of labor, seeking to elevate it beyond mere survival to a source of profound inspiration and meaning,” Suh said.

“I am dedicated to preserving traditional materials and methods while engaging with contemporary themes, aiming to position modern Korean art within the broader narrative of global art history.”

This is why critics say that Suh’s art serves as a bridge between the past and present, inspiring audiences to appreciate the timeless values of human labor and artistic authenticity.

Between lines: the pursuit of the “Korean line”

A signature element of Suh’s work is their exploration of lines.

“Unlike the imposing sharpness of Chinese art or the stark precision of Japanese aesthetics, the ‘Korean line’ is soft, unassuming, and elegant—an embodiment of understated beauty,” he said.

“This pursuit reflects a deeper meditation on the ethos of effortless action, a principle rooted in Taoist and Buddhist philosophies.”

At the heart of his pursuit of the Korean lines lies an enduring commitment to materials like hanji.

“Hanji, derived from mulberry tree bark, is prized for its resilience, texture, and timeless quality, outlasting conventional canvases by centuries,” he said.

“My preference for hanji underscores my dedication to honoring Korean heritage while innovating within its framework. Hanji represents an intersection of philosophy and craft, marrying Eastern aesthetics with modern artistic inquiries.”

The use of hanji and pursuit of the Korean line shows how much he tries to bridge tradition and modernity by preserving conventional materials and methods while embracing challenges of contemporary expression.

In other words, watchers note that Suh exemplifies the harmonious coexistence of old and new. Their work reminds people that art is not merely a reflection of its time but a timeless dialogue between culture, philosophy, and the human spirit.

Global art fairs

More than anything else, Suh wanted to win the hearts and minds of people in Europe, the global heart of art, with his unique approach and philosophy.

That is why Suh vehemently took part in global fairs from the early stage of his career.

“It appears that my work has captivated audiences in Europe and beyond, where their unique approach to form and material appears to resonate deeply with collectors and critics,” he said.

“In my view, their exhibitions across Germany, France, and Italy seemingly have drawn praise for their innovative blending of Eastern and Western sensibilities, offering something refreshingly new to global art dialogues.”

And his next show will take place in the United States next month _ Art Miami 2024. As one of the most attended shows globally, it is the U.S. region’s original and longest running contemporary art fair.

Art Miami has been consistently recognized as a leading destination for the acquisition of the most important works from the 20th and 21st centuries in collaboration with respected galleries.

Art Miami 2024 will kick off on Dec. 3 before opening to the public through Dec. 8 at the prestigious waterfront location of One Herald Plaza in the heart of downtown Miami.

Next year, Suh is also ready to meet global audiences in the United States once again and Hong Kong.

With all the efforts, Suh said that he would help modern Korean art stand out, by saying “I hope to solidify a place for modern Korean art on the world stage.”