Byun Shiji White Paper 2023 International A Thousand Winds Blowing from the Brushtail

Byun Shiji (1926-2013) was a Korean painter who devoted his life to creating art that expressed his inner world and spiritual values. He was influenced by both Eastern and Western philosophies, especially Buddhism and existentialism, and sought to transcend the limitations of reality and language through his paintings.

Byun Shiji's life was marked by hardship and suffering, but also by resilience and creativity. He experienced the Japanese occupation of Korea, the Korean War, and the military dictatorship that followed. He faced censorship, persecution, and poverty for his artistic vision and political views. He also struggled with a leg illness and deafness of one ear for most of his life.

Despite these challenges, Byun Shiji never gave up on his art and his quest for meaning. He graduated from Osaka University of Fine Arts and was taught by his teacher Terauchi Manji of Tokyo. where he learned various techniques and styles of painting. He developed his own unique style of abstract expressionism that combined vibrant colors, and dynamic brushstrokes also.

Byun Shiji's art was not only a reflection of his personal experiences and emotions, but also a manifestation of his philosophical and religious beliefs. He also believed that art was a way of achieving enlightenment or awakening to one's true nature.

Byun Shiji's art was not only a form of expression, but also a form of meditation and prayer. He painted with a deep concentration and devotion that resembled a religious ritual. He often painted in silence or accompanied by music that inspired him, such as classical music or Buddhist chants. He sometimes painted for hours or days without interruption, until he felt that he had completed his work. He said that painting was "a dialogue with myself" and "a dialogue with the Great Void". He also said that painting was "a way of life" and "a way of death".

Byun Shiji's art was not only a product of his imagination, but also a gift to humanity. He received many awards and honors for his artistic achievements and contributions to Korean culture. He also donated many of his paintings to museums and institutions that appreciated his work.

Byun Shiji's solitude life and art are an inspiring example of how one can overcome adversity and create beauty in the world. His life and art are also a profound exploration of how one can find meaning and happiness in the midst of chaos and suffering. His life and art are a testament to the power of human spirit and the power of art.

Two elements dominate his works: the sea that appears in nearly all of his paintings of the past three decades and the wind, evidenced in the sway of the trees, the bending grass, and the shimmering light. Byun considered the nature of Jeju to be the "mother" of his work and said that "The natural beauty of Jeju gives me deep emotion with simplicity and purity" and "The liveliness of the Jeju sea is the essence of my creativity".

Byun Shiji's art is characterized by dominant themes of wind and sea and a minimalistic, monochromatic style. His works from his "Jeju period" express the very soul of the island. Byun has said that "Mankind cannot control nature".

Byun's early works included landscapes and portraits, and heralded his training in classicist, realist and impressionist schools of art. It wasn't until he returned to Jeju, however, that his work matured into his own unique style, including traditional 'Oriental' aspects such as calligraphic black ink on handmade paper, monochromatic and minimalist echoes of his early training in Japan, and a Western use of flow and light that reflect a visit to Europe.

Byun's art is a reflection of his deep connection to Jeju Island and its natural beauty. His paintings capture the essence of the sea and wind that define the island. His art is both emotional and philosophical, capturing the simplicity and purity of nature.