Ecriture No.991114

Label

To create this work, Park Seo-bo covered the canvas with layers of damp and dyed hanji, Korean mulberry paper. He then scored its soaked surface with a stick at regular intervals. This laborious process creates rows of furrows, emphasizing hanji’s tactile materiality.

Unveiled in the 1970s, Park’s Ecriture series was the result of his contemplation of art’s role amid Korea’s experiences of decolonization, dictatorship, and industrialization. For Park, the repetitive act of incising lines embodied a spiritual journey, a means of emptying himself and harmonizing his mind with art. For viewers, Park intended his painting to serve as a sanctuary, liberating them from societal burdens. This responsibility drove the artist to continue painting until his passing on October 14, 2023. His last words—“Prepare the canvas. There is still a lot of work to do”—resonate with his commitment to his artistic journey.

Exhibition History

LeWitt Wall, Hood Museum of Art, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, November 8, 2023.

This record is part of an active database that includes information from historic documentation that may not have been recently reviewed. Information may be inaccurate or incomplete. We also acknowledge some language and imagery may be offensive, violent, or discriminatory. These records reflect the institution’s history or the views of artists or scholars, past and present. Our collections research is ongoing.

We welcome questions, feedback, and suggestions for improvement. Please contact us at: Hood.Collections@dartmouth.edu

Subjects