Ha Jung-woo turned to painting as a way to live and cope with “an uncertain future,” describing it as a constant in his life since his early 20s, much like acting has been.
Already an established actor in South Korea with numerous hit and critically acclaimed films, Ha has made notable strides in the art world since his first solo exhibition in 2010. Now, he’s presenting a large-scale exhibition at Seoul’s renowned Hakgojae Gallery, featuring 35 new works, all created this year.
Actor-painter Ha Jung-woo speaks during a press event about his solo exhibition, “Never Tell Anybody Outside the Family,” at Hakgojae Gallery in Seoul on Oct. 16, 2024. (Yonhap)
Actor-painter Ha Jung-woo speaks during a press event about his solo exhibition, “Never Tell Anybody Outside the Family,” at Hakgojae Gallery in Seoul on Oct. 16, 2024. (Yonhap)
“It all seems like a series of coincidences that led me to this point,” he said at a press event marking the exhibition, “Never Tell Anybody Outside the Family.”
“What I do know f
or sure is that I’ve always loved painting. It excites me. The time I spend painting has always been a source of comfort, and I enjoy it with the pure fun of a child,” he said.
The exhibition “isn’t something I can boast about or take pride in,” he said, adding, “I feel like I’ve come this far simply because of the time, passion and love I’ve invested in it.”
Ha Jung-woo’s painting is on display at Hakgojae Gallery in Seoul on Oct. 16, 2024, in this photo provided by the gallery. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Ha Jung-woo’s painting is on display at Hakgojae Gallery in Seoul on Oct. 16, 2024, in this photo provided by the gallery. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Ha Jung-woo’s painting, made in 2024, is on display at Hakgojae Gallery in Seoul on Oct. 16, 2024, in this photo provided by the gallery. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Ha Jung-woo’s painting, made in 2024, is on display at Hakgojae Gallery in Seoul on Oct. 16, 2024, in this photo provided by the gallery. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
For the exhibi
tion, he created dozens of works, drawing inspiration from his experiences in the exotic filming locations of Morocco and from traditional Korean masks.
His new works appear to depart from his signature portrait series known for their bold hues and primitive beauty, reflecting a deepened sense of expression and refined technique.
He called the evolving forms and patterns in his paintings natural progression.
“As an actor, I experience a wide variety of environments. For instance, the five months I spent in Morocco, the biggest inspiration for this exhibition, became naturally part of me and flowed onto the canvas,” he said.
Although the variety in his paintings — ranging from portraits, geometric-patterned rugs to traditional Korean masks — might appear random or inconsistent, he said they all “followed a natural flow” in his life.
He recalled painting back in 2013 when he both directed and starred in the comedy drama “Chronicle of a Blood Merchant.” He attached canvas cloth to the walls of his lodging
at the filming location and worked on it.
Overwhelmed with fear over simultaneous directing and acting, he said he “kept drawing lines repeatedly to calm myself,” approaching the task with “a prayerful mindset to steady my heart.”
Ha Jung-woo’s paintings are on display at Hakgojae Gallery in Seoul on Oct. 16, 2024, in this photo provided by the gallery. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Ha Jung-woo’s paintings are on display at Hakgojae Gallery in Seoul on Oct. 16, 2024, in this photo provided by the gallery. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
At 46, he has never received formal art education. He taught himself painting techniques, including the basics of oil painting, by watching documentaries and films about his favorite artists, like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring and Henri Matisse. When not filming, he follows a disciplined 9-to-6 painting routine.
Since his first solo exhibition in 2015, he has received numerous responses, many of which have been critical of both his works and his sincere approach to the
m, he said.
“I truly believe in the ‘10,000-hour Rule.’ While my paintings may seem unfamiliar and unrefined compared with other artists’ works, I believe that if I put my heart and sincerity into it, it would surely resonate in the end,” he said.
By the time he reaches his 70s, he hoped that people will take a closer look at his work. For now, though, whether or not he’s viewed as a serious artist does not concern him much.
“I believe if I continue to work steadily on my art, people will eventually recognize and evaluate my work.”
Source: Yonhap News Agency
