What is Sumuk?
Sumukhwa translates as ink wash painting. It refers to a style of painting using traditional materials and techniques of East Asia, including paper, silk, brush, color, etc. Colored paintings, which were a form of mural, and ink wash paintings are the two cornerstones of traditional Korean painting. It first started to develop on the Korean peninsula during the Goryeo period, a kingdom which reigned the peninsula over 1000 years ago. But it was not until the Joseon Dynasty some hundred years later that the full-fledged developments that gave rise to the uniqueness of Korean Sumukhwa began.
The Jeonnam International Sumuk Biennale
Jeollanamdo aims to promote ink wash painting and promote it as global cultural content. This is because Jeollanamdo province is the place, where the Southern School Literati Painting of Korea originated and where the traditions of ink wash painting have been maintained the best. The first step to promote ink wash painting is the Jeonnam International SUMUK Biennale.
The 2018 Jeonnam International SUMUK Biennale was held in Mokpo and Jindo for two months from September 1 to October 31 2018.
During this time, the works of artists from China, Japan, Korea and other countries were showcased to promote ink wash painting. The event had the exhibitions of the paintings as well as various events, lectures and seminars to educate people and let them experience ink art.
The 2023 Jeonnam International Sumuk Biennale
The last Sumuk Biennale primarily took place in Mokpo City and Jindo County under the theme “Flowing Mountain, Suspended Water” in sublime harmony. The event spanned from September 1, 2023, to October 31, 2023 and visitors got the chance to experience various art styles that all tell their own stories.
Take a virtual tour through the exhibition
If you want to see what the Sumuk Biennale 2021 looked like you can easily go on a virtual tour.
They produced exact virtual replicas of the exhibition halls so that you can stroll through the exhibition and enjoy the sumuk paintings comfortably from your home.
For a VR-Tour through the 2021 Jeonnam International Sumuk Biennale, click on the button below.