Korean Landscape Painting

Surname

Reviewing Korean Landscape Painting

Name:

Course:

Tutor:

Date:

Surname

Reviewing Korean Landscape Painting

Since historical times, art has played an important role in the lives of populations.

Through art, populations were able to express themselves as el as preserve their culture. This was

vital for future populations because it was used to revolutionize their general wellbeing. In this

regard, most of the populations basically improved on the artistic features that previous

populations had developed. Put differently, the respective artistic works acted as a basement

upon which future populations further developed and shaped the culture, beliefs and so forth. Art

was also instrumental for providing entertainment to the respective population. The relative

artistic works were undoubtedly pleasant to the eye and signified different facets of the society.

Unlike other society that specialized in diverse forms of art, the Koreans are popular for

landscape painting. The Korean landscape paintings were very diverse and besides reflecting

their religious perceptions and political significance, they portrayed different cultural practices

and how these were important in helping them to cope with wide ranging problems and

challenges.

Essentially, landscape painting portrays the general scenery of the world in its natural

form. This is done from the point view of the artist and therefore different artistic works depict

varied features. It is widely agreed that most artists place great emphasis on the beauty of the

object or aesthetic value of the environment. For this reason, most artists try to capture the most

fleeting moment of that artistic work in both space and time. In essence, they generally co-create

what has been initially created by the God. Although most nature paintings contain some

manmade facets, the natural aspects are given more consideration by the artists. Other elements

that are depicted in such paintings include flora, fauna, light and darkness. Color in this regard is

Surname

usually not very important because even without it, artists are able to exhibit their skill and

knowledge.

Historical evidence ascertains that in Korea, landscape painting was more popular than

the figure painting or other forms of historical painting that characterized the western art. This is

attributable to various factors that influenced the general wellbeing of the populations in

different ways. To begin with, Wong indicates that the Koreans placed great emphasis on

landscape painting because they considered the land as well as nature to be sacred (45). In this

regard, the Koreans considered nature to be important for nurturing human life. Not only did it

provide human with food, but it also provided populations with water and medicine. For this

reason, they considered it to be essential for human survival. Undoubtedly, nature in this regard

played a leading ole in enhancing human survival. Expressing it through art was therefore

considered an important way of appreciating it.

Then, the Koreans associated nature with spiritual and religious beliefs and practices.

According to Ch’oe, the Koreans considered nature to be akin to supernatural powers (33). They

closely associated it with the Higher Power because f its characteristic diversity and might.

Historical evidence indicates that similar perceptions were also shared by Japanese and Chinese

populations. Nature in this regard was considered to be integral to human survival and therefore

needed o e treated with utmost respect. From an artistic standpoint, transferring natural features

to two dimensional surfaces was considered not only challenging but also noble. Thus artists

derived immense satisfaction from developing landscape painting. To a great extent, this can be

used to explain why landscape paining gained prominence amongst the Koreans.

Korean also associated their art with important philosophical ideas and practices. In his

research, Newlands indicates that neo-Confucianism and Confucianism that was adopted from

Surname

China greatly influenced the Korean landscape painting (51). This philosophy postulated that

humans were responsible for developing humility and intellect. From the point of view of art,

this implies that figurative painting was basically secondary and id not need to be pursued at the

expense of nature painting. Likewise, the physical body of humans as well as historical

occurrences was also considered to be secondary and therefore was not held in high regard.

Reportedly, landscape painting was considered by the populations to be a way of

exploring and expressing intellect that was beyond human understanding. The respective intellect

was perceived to be divine and more complex to the extent that it could not be understood by

humanity. Politically, this was important in enhancing harmonic living. Political leaders placed

great emphasis on humility and took immense measures to further the welfare of the populations.

In addition, they took practical measures to improve their intellect in a bid to enhance their

performance. Thus though art, they were able to enhance the holistic wellbeing of the

populations without compromising important religious as well as cultural values. Furthermore,

populations took this opportunity to improve their wellbeing as well as secure their future. In

essence art in this regard played an important role in enhancing sustainable living.

Landscape painting was also employed by the rulers to assert their political power. In this

regard, Newlands indicates that moat of the elites and political leaders held landscape paintings

in high regard (61). Thus after a period of time, power was closely associated with art.

Individuals that had the respective paintings were considered to e both powerful and influential.

The political leaders thus used themto assert their positions in the society. Although the

respective artistic works were available to different facets of the population, certain iconic art

such as that of the Buddha were in most cases owned by individuals with higher social ranks.

Surname

Landscape painting was also very important within the Buddhist religion in different

ways. According to Kim, Buddhism was a religious philosophy that was held in high regard by

the Koreans (330). This was because it provided humans with guidance with respect to how they

can live in harmony and eternally. Besides making figurative sculptors, the Koreans also adopted

landscape painting in their religious life. Landscape paintings were used for decorating religious

and worship areas. The Buddha paintings were in most cases contextualized within a natural

setting. This is because of the divine importance that they attached to the Buddha. Artistically,

placing the painting of the Buddha in a natural setting was a noble undertaking.

The landscape paintings also depicted the historical Korean cave that was at the center

stage of relative worship (Ruskin 44). Furthermore, nature paintings in worship were important

in stimulating meditation that is an important aspect of worship. This is because it reminded the

individuals about the importance of divinity in worship. Its mere presence was instrumental in

enhancing and encouraging assumption of important values and virtues.

According to Ch’oe, the inherent tranquility in the landscape painting was important in

enhancing the psychological health of the populations (51). In particular, they trigger a feeling of

calm and relaxation of the body, soul and spirit. When translated to human actions, this implies

that landscape painting fosters harmonic co existence. Individuals that are at peace with their

bodies and souls are unlikely to engage in disruptive behavior. To a great extend, this enabled the

Korean population to address their emotional problems. Through art, they were able to express

their distressing feelings without compromising the quality of their lives. Art from this point of

view enabled them to participate in more rewarding activities at all times. In other words, they

succeeded in preventing conflicts as well as their escalation.

Surname

As it has come out from the study, landscape painting that was practiced by the Korans

was politically, economically, socially and culturally rewarding. Notably, the respective

populations associated it with religion and considered it to e sacred. This perpetuated its

exploration especially considering that most artists considered its pursuit a noble idea. Landscape

paining was apparent in Buddhism as the relative art woks were employed in worship and placed

at places of worship. In this regard, they encouraged meditation that was an important facet of

Buddhist worship. This art also enabled the politicians to assert their political status. As

aforementioned, thy enhanced objective governance as leaders associated it them with intellect

and humility. Psychologically, their tranquil nature encouraged harmonic co existence. This was

also useful in eliminating conflict and preventing their escalation. In essence, landscape painting

played an important role in enhancing the productivity and holistic wellbeing of the Korean

society.

Surname

Works Cited

Ch'oe Wan-su. Korean True-View Landscape: Paintings by Chông Sôn (1676–1759). London:

Saffron Books, 2005. Print.

Kim, Kumja Paik. "Chong Son (1676–1759): His Life and Career." Artibus Asiae 52 (1992), pp.

329–41. Print.

Newlands, Anne. Canadian Art, From its beginnings. Firefly Books Ltd., 2000.

Ruskin, John. Modern Painters, Vol. 3 Of Many Things. "Of the novelty of landscape." Adamant

Publishing, 2000. Print.

Wong Wucius. The Tao of Chinese painting, Principles & Method. Hong Kong: Everbest

Printing, 1991. Print.

Place new order. It's free, fast and safe

Paper type

Deadline

Page count

550 words

Total price: $ 15.00

Our customers say

Jeff Curtis

USA, Student

"I'm fully satisfied with the essay I've just received. When I read it, I felt like it was exactly what I wanted to say, but couldn’t find the necessary words. Thank you!"

Ian McGregor

UK, Student

"I don’t know what I would do without your assistance! With your help, I met my deadline just in time and the work was very professional. I will be back in several days with another assignment!"

Shannon Williams

Canada, Student

"It was the perfect experience! I enjoyed working with my writer, he delivered my work on time and followed all the guidelines about the referencing and contents."