◆ This article was written for foreigners in Daegu and citizens of all countries around the world who are interested in Korean Art. (이 기사는 대구 주재 외국인 및 한국 미술에 관심 있는 세계 모든 국가의 국민들을 위하여 작성한 것입니다.)

 

Seo Jin-dal(서진달, 1908~1947, 대구)

"I came back

from studying world-class art in Tokyo.

All you have to do is study hard.

I will teach you everything in a few months.

If you listen to me,

I will sure you will be a world-class artist.“

Yoon Bum-mo, "Formation of Modern Korean Art", Mi Jin-sa. 1993, p.234

 

The pen-name of Seo Jin-dal is Dopoong(도풍/ 稻風). After finishing an art class at a Japanese institute in 1930, he listed the Tokyo Art School in 1935 and graduated in 1942. He awarded the prizes several times at Joseon Art Exhibition while attended at Tokyo Art School. He is well-known as a painter who painted a lot of oil paintings especially nude paintings.

Born as the grandson of Seo Byeong-gyu who is one of the starting member of the National Debt Redemption Movement in Daegu, he returned from studying in Japan in 1940. He worked as an art teacher at the Gyeseong School in Daegu for about two years. His disciples, influenced by his teaching, include Kim Woo-jo, Baek Tae-ho, Byun Chong-ha, Kim Chang-rak, and Choo Yeon-geun.

His world of art work was formed under the influence of Paul Cezanne, who had been absorbed since he was a student. His world of art work is well illustrated in landscapes and still life, but it is especially illustrated in the portraits. The passion for the art work can be seen through "The last stage of the genius painter Seo Jin-dal".

 

He established his own nude works that boldly emphasized the theme of the work. It is somewhat rough, starting with the bold margin, delicate and rhythmic expression of the female body and the composition highlighted on the front of the screen. Strong contrast between strong touch and color, bright and dark colors that depict light and shadow as if they were sculpted into rough surfaces. He expressed heavy-tone under the weight of oil painting and felt heavy three-dimensional. And he simplified or omitted details. This made us sense the post-impressive elements centered on Paul Cezanne and expressed respect for Seo Jin-dal as a "great teacher Paul Cezanne."

 

When at the end of his studies his wealthy family went bankrupt. He remained single and lived an intemperate life. Because of ill he died at the age of 39.

“The Lee Kun-hee Collection, donated to the Daegu Museum of Art has a total of 21 works including Seo Dong-jin(1 piece), Kim Chong-yung(1 piece), Moon Hak-jin(2 pieces), Byun Chong-ha(2 pieces), Seo Jin-dal(2 pieces), Yoo Young-guk(5 pieces), Lee In-sung(7 pieces) and Lee Qoe-de(1 piece). 'Welcome Home: A Feast of Art' displayed a total of 40 works by adding 21 Lee Kun-hee Collection and rental works and collections to highlight the eight donated artists in depth."

source : 시니어매일/Seniormaeil(http://www.seniormaeil.com)