Late Artist Lee Doo-sik Honored in Retrospective Exhibition 13 Years After Passing

Thirteen years after his passing, the late artist Lee Doo-sik, a celebrated figure in the Korean art scene, is being honored with a retrospective exhibition. Titled 'Revisiting the Festival: Expression, Color, Abstraction... Beyond,' the show, held at Sun Gallery in Seoul's Insadong district, offers a comprehensive look at the artist's prolific career, spanning from his 30s to his late 60s. Lee, originally from Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, was not only known for his vibrant, abstract style characterized by colorful masses and bubble-like textures, but also for his significant contributions to art administration, having served as dean of Hongik University's College of Fine Arts and chairman of the Korean Fine Arts Association.

The exhibition, curated by Joo Tae-seok, a former colleague and professor at Hongik University, presents around 60 drawings and key works from different periods. Visitors can trace Lee's artistic evolution through series like 'The Origin of Life' from the 1970s and early 80s, which blended figurative elements with abstract forms; the 'Festival' series from the late 80s to the 2000s, where he established his signature colorful abstract style using traditional Korean colors (obangsaek); and the 'Mind Scape' series from his later years, characterized by a more subdued palette. The exhibition is particularly noteworthy for its emphasis on his earlier works, offering a deeper understanding of the foundational elements that shaped his iconic abstract paintings.

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This exhibition was prepared with one heart by those who remember and think of artist Lee Doo-sik.

While the exhibition covers his entire career, the third floor, dedicated to his formative years in his 30s and 40s, draws significant attention. Here, pieces like the 1980 untitled work, perceived as a self-portrait, the sensuous 1976 untitled piece depicting flowers and stones, and the 'Origin of Life' series showcase the raw, nascent stages of the 'Lee Doo-sik style' abstract art. This focus provides a unique opportunity for viewers to connect with the artist's early explorations and the genesis of his celebrated aesthetic.

Lee Sung-hoon, chairman of the Korea Galleries Association and son of Sun Gallery's founder, along with Sun Gallery representative Won Hye-kyung, expressed that the exhibition is a heartfelt tribute from those who remember and cherish Lee Doo-sik's legacy. They described the show as an opportunity to experience the 'vibrant life force and colorful energy' of his work. As the Hankyoreh, we believe this retrospective is a crucial event for appreciating the depth and evolution of Korean modern art, celebrating an artist who significantly influenced both artistic creation and administration, leaving an indelible mark on the nation's cultural landscape.

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It is a place where you can feel the vibrant life force and colorful energy.