[HERALD INTERVIEW] Huh Dal-jae carries on traditional painting

Traditional Oriental painting tends to be associated with the past. Hard to believe that it is still alive and kicking, thanks to artist Huh Dal-jae. "These days it is difficult to see Oriental paintings in exhibitions or galleries," said Joo Min-young, 26, curator of Park Ryu Sook Gallery. "They are mainly displayed in history or art museums."
But art aficionados can catch a glimpse of some modern day Oriental paintings at the Park Ryu Sook Gallery, where Korean painter Huh is currently holding a solo exhibition.
Huh, the eldest grandson of the great Oriental painter Huh Back-ryun, is showcasing a new series of works this spring, proving that Oriental paintings will never go out of style.
Taught by one of the greatest masters of the literati painting style known as "namjonghwa," painter Huh carries this ancient tradition into the 21st century.


▲Painter Huh Dal-jae poses in front of one of his latest works. [Jean Oh/The Korea Herald]"Our country`s paintings can be divided into two main categories: bukjonghwa and namjonghwa," Huh, 56, explained in an interview with The Korea Herald. "Paintings of the palace or portraits of the King are called bukjonghwa. Bukjonghwa uses strong colors and is very realistic. Namjonghwa relies on black ink and is less realistic."
Huh inherited his grandfather`s legacy of the more abstract namjonghwa. But he knew he couldn`t appeal to modern audiences with namjonghwa in its original state. He needed to develop this style to suit changing times.
"When I learned from my grandfather in the past, they painted according to that time," said Huh. "Now, while living in this present period, what I eat, wear and ride, it all changes. So I paint accordingly."
His continual artistic evolution to the present has earned him the title: great master of neo-namjonghwa. And in keeping with this illustrious title, Huh has taken his art one step further in his latest exhibition.
"The amount of empty space on the canvas has been reduced," Huh explained. "The colors have gotten stronger. The speed of the strokes has also changed. And the structure of the painting has become more simplified."
Looking at his garnet red ume blossoms flit across a soft apricot and gold background, the increased speed of the stroke, and the masses of lush petals pouring against an otherwise empty canvas seem to be in perfect harmony with the aestheticism of now.
But this Gwangju native is careful not to deviate too far from the traditional namjonghwa.
"I keep to Jeong Joong Dong and the vitality of energy," said Huh. "The most important thing in Oriental painting is the vitality of energy."
According to Huh, Jeong Joong Dong refers to the balance between stillness and movement, "Jeong" meaning "stillness," "Joong" meaning "in between," and "Dong" meaning "movement."
Based on this theory, the act of painting becomes a negotiation between tranquility and action. It becomes, according to Curator Joo, "the silence of movement."
Envisioning Huh poising his ink-dipped brush over Korean mulberry paper, waiting for the right moment to make one fluid, controlled stroke over the sheet, one can understand what Joo is trying to say.
Huh also believes maintaining the vitality of energy within his painting to be equally important. And to illustrate what he means, he compares it to the act of cooking.
"If you over boil spinach, then it is too limp," Huh explained. "You need to boil it lightly and keep the springy quality of the spinach alive."
Looking at his blossoms dance across the glittering hanji-Korean mulberry paper, the modern eye can sense its movement, its energy and enjoy the beauty of the Oriental painting through the strokes of this great painter.
To see Huh`s neo-namjonghwa visit Park Ryu Sook Gallery, where his solo exhibition, titled "In Full Bloom" is being held. The exhibition runs through Mar. 15. To get there go to Apgujeong Subway Station Line 3, Exit 2 and take a taxi straight down, several blocks past Galleria Department Store. The gallery is located on the third floor of the Nature Poem Building on the left. For more information call (02) 549-7574 or visit PARKRYUSOOK GALLERY
By Jean Oh
(oh_jean@heraldm.com)