Language
light 02-35
Ha Dong-chul - Painter of Light
This work "light 02-35" by Ha Dong-chul (1942-2006), called "painter of light," consistently explored one theme—"light"—throughout his life.
Pioneer of Korean contemporary printmaking education, Ha's true artistry came from contemplation. Childhood inspiration watching sunlight through windows while bedridden became his life theme for over 25 years.
Intense color contrasts first catch attention. Ha composed screens based on five traditional colors—red, blue, yellow, white, black—building geometric structures with intersecting lines.
Notable are precise black lines crossing screens. Though appearing computer-made, they're handwork. He created them by stretching ink-soaked threads and snapping them onto canvas.
These grid structures don't remain trapped but gradually expand like spreading white light, leading viewers from physical boundaries to spiritual dimensions.
To Ha, light wasn't simple natural phenomenon but life's source and absolute order—symbolizing truth, beauty, and transcendent sensation.
His screens pursue harmony both formal yet emotional, rational yet meditative. Eastern thought's "energy and movement" comes alive in new language, making painting space of contemplation beyond sensation.
Pioneer of Korean contemporary printmaking education, Ha's true artistry came from contemplation. Childhood inspiration watching sunlight through windows while bedridden became his life theme for over 25 years.
Intense color contrasts first catch attention. Ha composed screens based on five traditional colors—red, blue, yellow, white, black—building geometric structures with intersecting lines.
Notable are precise black lines crossing screens. Though appearing computer-made, they're handwork. He created them by stretching ink-soaked threads and snapping them onto canvas.
These grid structures don't remain trapped but gradually expand like spreading white light, leading viewers from physical boundaries to spiritual dimensions.
To Ha, light wasn't simple natural phenomenon but life's source and absolute order—symbolizing truth, beauty, and transcendent sensation.
His screens pursue harmony both formal yet emotional, rational yet meditative. Eastern thought's "energy and movement" comes alive in new language, making painting space of contemplation beyond sensation.