Jun-yeup Chun, I Want to Go to That Island, oil on canvas, 73x61cm, 2026

In the history of Korean aesthetics, the dominance of Neo-Confucian ideology often suppressed vibrant expression, prioritizing restrained, “readable” art over the purely visual. This led to a long-standing perception that bold coloration was a foreign influence rather than a native trait. However, artist Jun-yeup Chun challenges this narrative by excavating the “lost language of color” found in Korea’s shamanic traditions, royal dancheong, and the exuberant folk paintings (Minhwa) of the late Joseon Dynasty. He argues that the true essence of the Korean spirit lies in “dynamism”—a bold, proactive use of color that resonates with the energy of contemporary global K-culture.

Throughout his forty-year career, Jun-yeup Chun has dedicated himself to the modernization of Korean beauty. His latest series, I Want to Go to That Island, represents a significant evolution of his long-standing In the Garden of Light project. In these works, the artist moves beyond ideological interpretation to focus on the “visual” essence of painting. By harmonizing intense primary colors with a geometric composition of planes and powerful, rhythmic brushstrokes, he captures a sense of vitality that is both deeply rooted in traditional Korean sensibilities and distinctly modern in its abstract execution.

The title of the exhibition is inspired by the poem Island by Chong Hyon-jong, where the “island” symbolizes a space for human connection and the restoration of relationships. For the artist, “that island” represents the lifelong pursuit of a modern aesthetic identity—a sanctuary for the soul and a goal for his artistic journey. Featuring twenty-five new works, this exhibition invites viewers to find their own “island” of hope and desire within the canvas. Through this collection, Chun successfully re-establishes the importance of visual pleasure in Korean contemporary art, offering a dynamic landscape where tradition and modernity coexist in vibrant harmony.