WOO JONGTAEK

Jongtak Woo is a Korean painter whose practice explores gi, the vital energy believed to move through nature and human existence. Drawing from the tradition of Korean ink painting, Woo works through gesture, rhythm and the physical movement of the brush, turning an intangible force into a direct and highly expressive language on paper.

His paintings are made on Hanji, Korean paper, and are built through concentrated, physical acts of mark-making. Rather than depicting nature, Woo seeks to evoke its underlying energy — the force, movement and vitality that precede recognisable form.

Over a career spanning more than two decades, Woo has developed his practice across painting, drawing and installation. His recent exhibitions include a major solo exhibition at Total Museum of Contemporary Art, Seoul (2024), as well as presentations at KIAF Seoul, Anyang Public Art Project and exhibitions in Germany. He has held solo exhibitions with BODE Gallery in Nuremberg and participated in international projects in Germany, Thailand and the United States.

Woo has received the Seoknam Art Award, the Dong-A Art Award, and was selected as a Kumho Young Artist. His works are held in collections including the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea Art Bank, Kumho Museum of Art, Incheon Foundation for Arts and Culture, Golfzon Cultural Foundation and Ilsin Spinning.

Education
1997 — BFA, Korean Painting, Chung-Ang University, Seoul
2002 — MFA, Korean Painting, Chung-Ang University, Seoul
2012 — PhD, Sungshin Women’s University, Seoul

Selected Solo Exhibitions
2024 — Musi Gwanggeopui Myoyu, Total Museum of Contemporary Art, Seoul
2022 — Moohaeng, Kim Ria Gallery, Seoul
2022 — Reflected Ink Painting, Studio Kki, Paju
2021 — Memory of Origin, BODE Gallery, Nuremberg
2019 — Energy / Tuning, Bamboo Collection, Seoul
2014 — Woo Jongtak Painting Project: Ask, Ligak Museum, Cheonan
2011 — Flowers Bloom on a Dead Tree, Westwerk, Hamburg

Selected Exhibitions & Art Fairs
KIAF Seoul
Anyang Public Art Project
Jeonnam International Sumuk Biennale
paper positions berlin
ART SEOUL
Harbour Art Fair
Korean Cultural Centre, Hungary & Belgium
ASTO Museum of Art, California

Awards
Seoknam Art Award, 2006
Kumho Young Artist, 2005
Dong-A Art Award, 2004

Selected Collections
National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea Art Bank
Kumho Museum of Art
Incheon Foundation for Arts and Culture
Golfzon Cultural Foundation
Ilsin Spinning