Preserving the Soul of Ink: The 2nd Daegu Ink Wash Painting Research Association Exhibition

As May brings a vibrant surge of green to the landscape, the art world in Daegu is turning its focus toward the quiet, profound depths of traditional ink. The 2nd Daegu Ink Wash Painting Research Association Exhibition is currently underway, offering a sanctuary of contemplation and a rigorous defense of traditional Korean aesthetics in an era of rapid artistic evolution.

Running from May 7 through May 22, the exhibition is hosted at the Gusu-san Library Atrium. Organized by the Daegu Ink Wash Painting Research Association, the event serves as both a gallery and a mission statement: to revitalize the practice of ink wash painting in the region and re-examine the essential values of traditional Korean art.

The Tension Between Tradition and Modernity

Daegu has long been recognized as a hub where the lineage of traditional Korean painting is preserved while simultaneously serving as a laboratory for modern experimentation. However, this evolution has created a cultural tension. The rise of “extended ink wash”—a style that incorporates installation art, abstraction, and mixed media—has led to the emergence of what critics call “ink-less ink wash.”

While these modern interpretations expand the boundaries of the medium, there is growing concern that the core tenets of the craft are being lost. The 2nd Daegu Ink Wash Painting Research Association Exhibition specifically counters this trend by returning to the fundamentals:

• Ink Gradation (Nongdam): The mastery of varying ink tones to create depth, and emotion.
• The Beauty of Void (Yeobaek): The strategic use of empty space to evoke spirituality and openness.
• Natural Spirituality: A focus on the harmony between the human spirit and the natural world.

A Collective Vision: The Artists

The exhibition features a curated selection of approximately 20 works, showcasing the diverse perspectives of 16 participating artists. By utilizing traditional ink and coloring pigments, these artists strive to translate the spiritual world of Korean painting into a visual experience for the modern viewer.

The contributing artists include:

• Kim Myung-ju, Kim Kyung-jun, and Kang Sook-hee
• Woo Mi-hwa, Choi Mi-ja, and Park Ki-bok
• Kim Kyu-bun, Choi Jong-bo, and Son Jin-sook
• Kim Eun-young, Jang Geum-hee, and Kim Yeon-hwa
• Kim Myung-ja, Kim Hyung-ran, Shin Jae-soon, and Yoon Chan-won

Philosophical Underpinnings

For the association, this exhibition is about more than just technical skill; it is about cultural preservation. Kim Myung-ju, President of the Daegu Ink Wash Painting Research Association, emphasizes that ink wash painting is a vital asset of Korean traditional art that captures the essence of both nature and humanity.

“Ink wash is not simply a painting; it is an important asset of our traditional art that embodies the spirit of nature and humans,” says Kim Myung-ju. “I hope visitors find a moment of quiet contemplation and warm comfort within the gradations of ink and the beauty of the void.”

Looking Forward

By bringing these works to a public space like the Gusu-san Library, the association aims to bridge the gap between professional practitioners and the general public. As contemporary art continues to pivot toward mixed media, exhibitions like this ensure that the foundational “breath” of the ink brush remains a living part of Daegu’s cultural identity.

For those interested in further details or inquiries regarding the exhibition, the association can be reached at 010-9382-2816.