The group exhibition Days and Realities: A Vision, held from January 7 to February 9, 2026, at the Japanese Gallery (日畫廊) in Taipei, showcases the transcendent artistic vision of Korean artist Yongju Jang. Co-curated by Shen Guan Yu and Chin Wu in collaboration with Michelle Gallery (Seoul, Korea), the exhibition offers a space where Eastern philosophy and modern sensibility intersect.
 Yongju Jang’s Artistic Vision: Where Tradition Meets Modernity ©김현수 기자 |
Yongju Jang, a graduate of Seoul National University’s College of Fine Arts and Tokyo University of the Arts, uses classical and contemporary techniques to explore the concepts of “emptiness” and “reality” in his work. With more than 11 solo shows, 100 group exhibitions, and participation in over 70 art fairs globally, Jang has established himself as a key figure in modern Korean art.
 Drawing Time with Lines: The Philosophy of Shin Jangsaengdo ©김현수 기자 |
His signature style features layers of meticulously accumulated lines symbolizing the flow of time. These lines embody a dialogue between the past and present and between Eastern spirit and Western techniques. In particular, his theme Shin Jangsaengdo reflects a heartwarming utopia—a modern interpretation of traditional Korean landscape paintings.
 East and West in Harmony: A Journey Through Contemporary Korean Art © 김현수 기자 |
His work has been collected by the National Museum of Korea, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Gwacheon, Chuncheon Museum, and Kolon Group. It has also appeared in several popular Korean TV dramas, adding cultural relevance and public familiarity.
Rather than conforming to specific trends, Jang pursues a universal aesthetic that bridges eras and cultures. When standing before a blank canvas, he intuitively traces the historical layers of Korean art, from Goguryeo to Joseon, aiming to uncover the roots of Korean visual identity.
 Tracing the Roots of Korean Aesthetics from Goguryeo to the Present © 김현수 기자 |
His work doesn’t reject Western aesthetics but harmonizes them with Eastern sensitivities, creating a visual field where both worlds can coexist. Through Days and Realities: A Vision, he invites viewers to experience a timeless beauty that transcends space and cultural boundaries.
This exhibition is open by appointment only. For further details, please visit Michelle Gallery’s official website
.
[ Reporter: Hyunsoo Kim — incheoneast@thekoreantoday.com ]
 |
<저작권자 ⓒ 코리안투데이(The Korean Today) 무단전재 및 재배포 금지>
