Twelve pieces of (이중섭) Lee Jung-seop's original paintings were donated to Seogwipo City by the family of the deceased chairman of Samsung Group this April. They are being showcased for the first time.
Notably, one of his works, "Scenery with (섭섬) Seopseom Islet," drawn during his stay at Seogwipo, has returned to its birthplace 70 years later.
Todd Thacker reports.

[Slug] 'Scenery with Seopseom Islet' (1951)

Following the outbreak of the Korean War, the renowned artist (이중섭) Lee Jung-seop fled to Jeju. Residing in Seogwipo in 1951, he was inspired to paint "Scenery with (섭섬) Seopseom Islet" during his stay.
Thatch-roofed houses and the small islet are brought together to create a peaceful mood.

[Slug] 'Return Home to Seogwipo After 70 Years'
On through March 6, 2022, Lee Jungseop Art Museum

The painting has returned home after 70 years.
This past April, 12 of Lee Jung-seop's original works were donated to Seogwipo City by the family of the late chairman of Samsung Group, (이건희) Lee Kun-hee.
The donated works including oil paintings, watercolors and drawings on cigarette packs, are on display at the (이중섭) Lee Jungseop Art Museum.

[Slug] Seogwipo life depicted in Lee's work

Life in Seogwipo is reflected in works titled "Scenery with (섭섬) Seopseom Islet," "Family at the Beach," and "Kids Playing with Fish" among other artworks.

INTERVIEW
Jeon Eun-ja / Curator, Lee Jungseop Art Museum
I believe the Samsung family selected works with great care for our gallery in Seogwipo. Visitors can catch a glimpse of Lee's life and his perspectives in the art at the special exhibition.
<인터뷰 : 전은자 / 이중섭미술관 학예연구사>
"삼성에서도 서귀포 이중섭미술관에 (작품을) 기증할 때 바로 서귀포 이중섭미술관에 가장 적절한 작품을 굉장히 신경 써서 많이 보내주신 것 같습니다. 이중섭 화가의 삶의 흔적을 예술 세계와 같이 돌아볼 수 있는 그런 자료 전시를 하고 있고요."

The special exhibition also offers many other things to enjoy.
On the museum rooftop, visitors can compare Lee's painting "Scenery with (섭섬) Seopseom Islet" with the actual view the artist once studied.

[Slug] Lee Jung-seop biographical timeline, new media art

Photo zones, informative displays highlighting milestones in Lee's life and work, high-definition video pieces and new media art are also on offer.

[Reporter] Todd Thacker
[Camera] Kim Seung-cheol

The special exhibition "Return Home to Seogwipo After 70 Years" is being held through March 2022. Reservations can be made through the Lee Jungseop Art Museum website.

Todd Thacker, KCTV