Seundja Rhee: Transforming Nature’s Patterns into Light and Form

In recent years, the global cultural landscape has been significantly reshaped by the vibrant influence of Korean culture, spanning areas such as music, cinema, fashion, and art. This cultural wave has captured global attention, highlighting the rich traditions and innovative ideas that have characterized Korea for centuries. However, even before this cultural renaissance took center stage, one visionary artist was pioneering a cross-cultural dialogue between Korea and the Western world, embedding a unique Korean rhythm and harmony into the fabric of modern abstract art.

Seundja Rhee, who lived from 1918 to 2009, was a trailblazing Korean artist who carved out a distinctive niche in the realm of abstract art. Her work, which spans themes of nature, urban landscapes, and cosmic symbolism, is celebrated for breaking new ground in post-war abstract art. As one of the first Korean women artists to gain international acclaim in this genre, Rhee’s legacy is now being reintroduced to audiences worldwide through the Samsung Art Store. This digital platform offers a unique opportunity to experience Rhee’s work without the constraints of geography and time.

Samsung Electronics, through its innovative technology, is showcasing the works of this pioneering first-generation Korean abstract artist to a global audience. Rhee’s journey, which took her from Seoul to Paris, allowed her to develop a unique artistic language that combined elements of both Eastern and Western art traditions. Her paintings are a testament to her ability to transcend cultural boundaries and explore universal themes that resonate with audiences to this day.

Reintroducing a Modern Master of Abstract

The introduction of Rhee’s collection is more than just a digital exhibition; it symbolizes a collaborative effort between Gallery Hyundai, which has meticulously documented and researched her work over the years, and Samsung’s cutting-edge technology that brings each layer of art to life with striking clarity. This partnership invites art enthusiasts from around the world to rediscover Seundja Rhee, a modern pioneer in the realm of abstract painting.

In an insightful conversation with Young-Sook Kwon, director of Gallery Hyundai, Samsung Newsroom delved into Rhee’s artistic legacy and the significance of making her work accessible in the digital age. Rhee’s journey between France and Korea enabled her to craft a distinctive visual language, earning her international recognition at a time when few women artists achieved such prominence. Her works, infused with themes of nature, the cosmos, and human existence, continue to captivate viewers with their powerful resonance.

A Pioneer Who Pushed the Boundaries of Korean Abstract Art

Rhee is celebrated as Korea’s first female abstract artist, who independently expanded the language of abstraction through her evolving style. Her time in Paris included studying at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière, an institution renowned for nurturing artists such as Pablo Picasso and Paul Gauguin. This experience enriched her understanding of contemporary abstract art. Her debut at the National Society of Fine Arts exhibition in 1956 marked her entry into the European art scene, with critic George Boudaille praising her innovative work.

Throughout her six-decade career, Rhee navigated the challenges of a turbulent modern era and the societal constraints of a patriarchal society, channeling her struggles into her art. Her style, even today, is distinctive within the realm of contemporary abstract art. Unlike expressionists who focused on unbridled personal expression, Rhee viewed art as a healing energy that reflects on the human condition. Her work embodies a worldview that evolved and expanded over time.

One of her notable pieces, “A Mother I Remember” from 1962, is part of her “Woman and Earth” series and captures her childhood memories and longing for Korea. This work, along with others, is now available on the Samsung Art Store, allowing a broader audience to appreciate her artistic vision.

Exploring Rhee’s Artistic Themes

Rhee’s art is characterized by her pursuit of harmony with the universe, achieved through a balance with nature—a core tenet of Korean spiritual culture. Her ability to weave Eastern philosophy into the framework of Western abstract painting represents a significant contribution to both Korean and global art history. Art critic Eun-rok Shim beautifully encapsulated her artistic vision with the phrase: “Yin, Yang, and the Milky Way Flowing Between Them,” a testament to her encompassing worldview.

Samsung Art Store: A Digital Platform Bringing Art to Life

Gallery Hyundai’s extensive archives, which have preserved Rhee’s legacy for nearly 70 years, play a crucial role in revisiting and understanding her contributions to Korean art history. Rhee stands alongside other pioneers like Whanki Kim and Youngkuk Yoo, having boldly moved to Paris during the Korean War and achieving significant recognition.

In 1974, Gallery Hyundai’s founder, Myung-ja Park, organized a solo exhibition for Rhee, marking the beginning of the gallery’s enduring support for Korea’s first female abstract painter. Rhee’s story of creating a new abstract language distinct from Western modernism continues to inspire artists across generations. The renewed interest in women’s contributions to art history makes this rediscovery even more significant.

In 2018, Gallery Hyundai celebrated the centenary of Rhee’s birth with a major exhibition at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, showcasing its extensive archives. Building on this legacy, the gallery is preparing a new exhibition featuring previously unreleased materials.

Collaboration with Samsung Art Store

The collaboration with Samsung Art Store aims to introduce Rhee’s work to a global audience, transcending physical limitations. This digital platform allows people from various countries to experience her art, bringing joy and inspiration to new generations.

Rhee’s paintings, known for their intricate layers, are best appreciated up close. Her woodblock prints reveal her unique carving techniques, characterized by short, thick lines that taper to a fine point. On a digital screen, viewers can closely observe these details, appreciating the spirit infused into each piece.

The collection curated for the Art Store includes significant works from different periods of Rhee’s career, tracing the evolution of her worldview. Notable pieces such as “The Snow from Vaugirard Street” from her early years, “A Mother I Remember” from the 1960s, and her final painting “A City of September” are featured, allowing viewers to journey through her artistic evolution.

A Journey of Life That Becomes Art

Rhee’s work is a reflection of her life experiences, capturing themes of communication, coexistence, and the joy of life. Born during the Japanese colonial period, she faced personal loss and historical upheavals with extraordinary courage, using art as her expressive outlet. Through Samsung Art Store, audiences can appreciate the vitality and resilience that define her work.

Her artistic journey was marked by a constant evolution of style and themes. The “Woman and Earth” series from the 1960s exemplifies her maternal love and longing for her sons. Later, her perspective broadened to include cityscapes, influenced by her travels and experiences in places like New York. The vibrant skyline and bustling energy of the city found expression in her work through dynamic lines and vivid colors.

Rhee’s signature motif, the ‘semicircle where Yin and Yang meet,’ symbolizes her exploration of coexistence and balance. This motif reflects her interest in using art as a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers. Her childhood experience with the Taegeuk pattern on the Sungnyemun Gate left a lasting impression, inspiring her to create a universe on canvas that harmonizes opposing elements.

Rhee’s life and work embody a profound intelligence, sensitivity, and spirituality. As you explore her art, you are invited to experience the depth of her vision, shaped by overcoming adversity and finding healing through her creative journey.

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