비자림 │ BIJARIM, [全一的 山水], No.461 Painting

Born in 1962 in Seoul, South Korea, I have rooted myself in the vicinity of Galmae-dong, near Seoul, where I continue my artistic endeavors. Graduating from Hongik University's College of Fine Arts with a major in Western Painting in 1987, I pursued further studies up to the master's and doctoral levels. However, I eventually chose to withdraw from academia, considering that a doctoral degree held little significance in the realm of art. For over three decades, I have dedicated myself to full-time artistic activities. My journey comprises 38 solo exhibitions, numerous group exhibitions in both domestic and international venues, including Japan, Mexico, and the United States, totaling more than 200 exhibitions. I have also served as a jury member for various art competitions in South Korea, and my works are proudly held in collections across the country, including institutions like the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office and the one's parents' house of BTS member Jin. My artistic journey reflects a constant commitment to pursuing creative expression, bridging the local and international art scenes while maintaining an active presence in both solo and collaborative exhibitions. The underlying research theme that permeates Geum Sahong's artworks is pantheism, which reflects the artist's holistic perspective on the world. Geum Sahong engages in a routine that involves meditation at the scene, emptying the mind and then filling it with messages from nature, ultimately translating this process into artistic expressions. The predominant presence of azure blue within the artworks stems from a unique experience of the artist. In his 30s, Geum Sahong encountered a captivating sight during the early hours by the seashore. The horizon seamlessly blended the sea and the sky, diffusing a light blue hue that erased the boundary between the two. This serene scenery left a profound impact, inspiring the artist to predominantly employ shades of blue, particularly azure, in his works. Geum Sahong's artistic journey embodies the fusion of contemplative experiences with nature's messages, translating these encounters into a canvas that expresses his profound connection with the world. This harmonious relationship between artist and nature, exemplified by the prevalent use of blue in his works, demonstrates his ability to capture the essence of his surroundings and share it with others through his art.