‘Doctor Painter’ Jang In-seong Explores Vitality Through Circles in 19th Solo Exhibition
A celebrated South Korean artist and practicing dermatologist, Jang In-seong, will debut his 19th solo exhibition on Thursday, October 29th, at Gallery Eun in Insa-dong, Seoul. The exhibition, marking the artist’s 70th birthday, showcases a new body of work centered on the exploration of life and order through the motif of the circle.
A Lifetime Bridging Medicine and Art
For 37 years, Jang In-seong has balanced a demanding career in dermatology with a steadfast dedication to his artistic practice. This unique duality has allowed him to consistently refine his craft, holding a solo exhibition approximately every two years. As a non-figurative painter, Jang’s work has evolved over time, consistently demonstrating a willingness to experiment with form and concept.
“He has never put down his brush as an artist even for a moment,” a source close to the artist noted, highlighting the commitment that underpins his prolific output.
The Language of Circles
This latest exhibition delves into the concept of vitality as expressed through circular forms. Jang draws inspiration from the natural world, observing the prevalence of circles in everyday objects – from grains of rice to the patterns found in nature. He seeks to uncover a sense of order within apparent chaos, using the circle as a visual key.
“In my paintings, the circles create small and large communities, and some circles even transform into the form of love,” Jang stated, offering insight into the emotional and philosophical undercurrents of his work. He further explained his process, noting that he “added colorful colors to them, and now I am trying to express them in a more lifelike way by adding thickness” to imbue the circles with a sense of dynamism.
Natural Echoes in Abstract Form
The exhibition has already garnered attention from art critics, with Shin Hang-seop drawing compelling parallels between Jang’s work and natural phenomena. Shin observed the resonance between the artist’s circles and images like “round frog eggs” and “flower petals,” noting how these forms evoke a sense of life’s inherent mystery.
“The round frog eggs clump together in a band in the water and hatch when certain conditions are met. This mysterious life phenomenon seems to be imbued in the work,” Shin commented. He also likened the clustered, oval shapes to a “flower raft” floating on water, emphasizing the freedom and organic quality of the compositions. “Through this variation of form, I have discovered various ways of existing images.”
A Continued Legacy of Artistic Engagement
Beyond his personal artistic practice, Jang In-seong has actively contributed to the South Korean art community, serving as a judge for the Korea Art Exhibition and as a steering committee member for the Chungnam Art Exhibition. He currently maintains an active role as a guest artist, further solidifying his position as a respected figure in the national art scene.
Jang In-seong’s 19th solo exhibition will be on view at Gallery Eun in Insa-dong, Seoul, until November 3rd, with an opening ceremony scheduled for 5 p.m. on October 29th.
