Yi Sang-bom

Yi Sang-bom: A Master of Modern Korean Landscape Painting

Yi Sang-bom (1897–1972) was one of the most influential artists in modern Korean art, particularly known for his contributions to traditional Korean landscape painting (산수화, sansuhwa). His works represent a blend of classical techniques and a modern perspective, reflecting Korea’s transition during a period of significant cultural and political change. While he stayed true to the essence of traditional Korean painting, he also embraced new ideas and perspectives, placing him in a unique position as a bridge between the past and the present in Korean art history.

Early Life and Artistic Beginnings

Yi Sang-bom was born in Jeonju, Korea, in 1897, during the late Joseon Dynasty. He grew up in a country that was undergoing tremendous social and political transformations, as Korea moved toward the end of its dynastic rule and faced increasing foreign influence, particularly from Japan. These changes would eventually influence Yi’s art, as he sought to preserve traditional Korean values while also exploring new artistic possibilities.

Yi was trained in the classical Confucian tradition, which emphasized calligraphy, poetry, and painting as essential aspects of a scholar’s education. However, it was landscape painting that captured his imagination. From a young age, Yi demonstrated an exceptional talent for painting, and he quickly became known for his skillful depiction of nature. His early works reflected the influence of the Joseon Dynasty’s sansuhwa tradition, which drew inspiration from Chinese landscape painting but developed its own distinctive style characterized by a more intimate connection with Korea’s natural scenery.

Yi Sang-bom studied under several important figures in the Korean art world, including An Joong-sik, one of the last great masters of traditional Korean painting. Under An’s guidance, Yi refined his technical skills and deepened his understanding of the classical sansuhwa tradition. However, Yi was also exposed to Western art during his studies, and he began to experiment with incorporating modern elements into his work.

The Influence of Sansuhwa and Yi’s Unique Style

Sansuhwa refers to the traditional Korean genre of landscape painting, which was influenced by Chinese literati painting. The word sansuhwa itself means “mountain and water painting,” reflecting the central role that mountains, rivers, and natural scenery play in this artistic tradition. These paintings were not merely depictions of specific landscapes; rather, they were expressions of the artist’s inner feelings, philosophical outlook, and connection with nature.

Yi Sang-bom's interpretation of sansuhwa remained rooted in this classical tradition, but he also introduced modern innovations that set his work apart. Unlike some of his contemporaries who fully embraced Western art forms, Yi chose to remain largely within the framework of traditional ink and wash painting. His works feature the delicate brushstrokes and soft washes of ink that are characteristic of sansuhwa, but with a fresh perspective and emphasis on naturalism.

Yi’s landscapes are often serene and meditative, focusing on the harmony between humans and nature. His depictions of mountains, rivers, trees, and other natural elements carry a profound sense of balance and tranquility. He often used light, transparent washes of ink to create a misty, ethereal atmosphere, reminiscent of Korea’s fog-covered mountains at dawn. This technique gave his landscapes a sense of depth and space, as if inviting the viewer to step into the scene and experience the peaceful solitude of nature.

While Yi’s works retained the fundamental characteristics of traditional Korean sansuhwa, they also reflected a new sensibility. He was more interested in capturing the essence of a place rather than its exact physical details. His brushstrokes were freer and more expressive, sometimes verging on abstraction. This combination of traditional technique and modern expression allowed Yi to create works that were timeless yet contemporary, reflecting both the past and the present.

Yi Sang-bom’s Signature Works: The Landscape Paintings

Yi Sang-bom's landscape paintings are celebrated for their lyrical beauty and spiritual depth. Among his most famous works are his interpretations of Korea’s most iconic natural sites, such as the mountains of Geumgangsan, also known as the Diamond Mountains, and the scenic areas along the Han River. These landscapes hold cultural significance in Korea and are often viewed as symbols of the nation’s enduring beauty and resilience.

One of his notable works, Sansudo (산수도), encapsulates the artist’s vision and mastery of sansuhwa. In this painting, Yi depicts a mountainous scene, where the mist gently rises between the towering peaks and the serene waters flow calmly through the valleys. The trees, rendered in delicate brushstrokes, seem to sway softly in the breeze, while small thatched-roof houses dot the landscape, suggesting the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature.

In Sansudo, Yi masterfully balances the use of negative space and ink washes to evoke a sense of vastness and tranquility. The mountains appear solid and immovable, yet the light, almost translucent application of ink gives them an ethereal quality. The water, flowing smoothly between the mountains, reflects Yi’s careful attention to composition and movement. The painting conveys a sense of stillness, yet it is full of subtle, quiet life.

What makes Sansudo particularly striking is its ability to evoke emotion without the need for vibrant colors or intricate details. Yi’s use of simple forms and soft gradations of ink allows the viewer to project their own feelings onto the scene. The painting is not just a representation of a specific landscape; it is a reflection of the artist’s inner world and his deep connection to the natural environment.

Yi Sang-bom’s landscapes often carry a melancholic undertone, perhaps reflecting the difficult times he lived through, including the Japanese occupation of Korea and the Korean War. However, his paintings also offer hope and solace, suggesting that nature endures even in the face of hardship and change. Through his art, Yi invites the viewer to find peace and contemplation in the beauty of the natural world.

Later Years and Legacy

In the later years of his career, Yi Sang-bom continued to paint prolifically, even as Korea underwent significant changes in the mid-20th century. Despite the tumultuous political climate and the introduction of new art movements, Yi remained committed to the sansuhwa tradition. However, his work became more abstract over time, as he sought to capture the spiritual essence of the landscape rather than its physical form.

Yi’s dedication to Korean landscape painting earned him widespread recognition both in Korea and abroad. He was a member of several prestigious art organizations, including the Korean Fine Arts Association, and his works were exhibited in numerous galleries and museums. In recognition of his contributions to Korean art, he was awarded the prestigious National Medal of Culture.

Yi Sang-bom’s influence extends beyond his own paintings. As a teacher, he mentored many young artists, passing on his knowledge of traditional techniques while encouraging experimentation and innovation. His emphasis on the importance of cultural identity and the preservation of Korean artistic traditions had a lasting impact on subsequent generations of Korean artists.

Today, Yi Sang-bom’s works are held in high regard, and his paintings can be found in major collections, including the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul. His ability to blend traditional techniques with a modern sensibility has made him a pivotal figure in Korean art history. He is often credited with helping to revitalize the sansuhwa genre in the 20th century and ensuring its relevance in the modern era.

 

 

산수도 山水圖 - 청전 이상범 靑田 李象範 (1897-1972) — Google Arts & Culture