Woo Jong-Taek: Between Matter and Soul

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Soluna Fine Art proudly presents Between Matter and Soul, the inaugural solo exhibition in Hong Kong by Korean contemporary artist Woo Jong-Taek. Renowned for his contemporary approach to traditional Korean ink painting, Woo explores the interplay between materiality and spirituality. His textured canvases, layered with organic materials such as ink sticks, charcoal powder, and white clay, evoke the energy of nature through bold, expressive gestures. His sculptural installations, composed of wood and mirrors, translate the dynamic and spontaneous brushstrokes of his paintings into three-dimensional forms. Rooted in Eastern philosophy and a profound reverence for the natural world, Woo’s practice bridges the temporal and the eternal, guiding viewers into an intuitive realm shaped by silence, emptiness, and the unseen. Capturing the traces of life beyond sight and perception, his work fosters an environment conducive to openness and contemplative reflection. This exhibition is a meditation on the essence of nature and the universe, engaging viewers in a dialogue about the origins of mankind and the world, and inviting them to reflect on the harmony between nature and human existence.

ABOUT THE ARTIST / ORGANISER

Woo Jong-Taek (b. 1973 in Yongin, Korea) received his B.F.A. and M.F.A. in Oriental Paintings from Chung Ang University. Woo also completed a doctorate program in Sungshin Women’s University and is currently a professor of Korean Painting in Incheon National University. Woo captures the essence of nature through powerful and expressive gestures employing a blend of ink sticks, charcoal powder, rosin, and white clay in his works. His paintings serve as a meditation on the essence of nature and the universe, posing questions about the origins of humankind and the world. Since 2005 his works have been shown in both domestic and international exhibitions, including in Hamburg, Seoul, and Daegu. Woo’s works are in institutions and corporations, including the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.