Elements of Nature – Landscapes by Chae Sung-Pil

Born in 1972, Jindo, Korea – Chae works and lives in Paris, France.

It’s not often that I showcase painters here on the blog, but when the different elements marry and come together it transcends the art itself and leads to exciting projects. Take Korean artist Chae Sung-Pil for example, who uses nature as his main source of inspiration. His work incorporates both traditional and abstract art, combining the worlds of ancient and modern Korea.

The most important element to Chae’s work is the media that’s used to produce it. He collects soil and sand from different parts of the world, using them to create his own paint that he mixes with gold and silver dust. He then applies the paints using a spilling method, seen above where he drips water onto his own work to express the unpredictability of land and earth. My favourite pieces of all are the vase shapes with textures and colours inside, harking back to Korea’s history in ceramics and painting. They also remind me of the unstable nature of glazes on pottery at high temperatures.

Sung-Pil’s goal is to stir up a sense of nostalgia and longing for the past among the people who view his works. Rather than exact depictions, he uses his own interpretations to express memories and sensations. Ultimately his works are all constructed from nature, the paper being created from wood (fire), silver dust deriving from metal, soil (earth), and water. Collectively known as the five elements. Inspiring stuff!

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Terre de vent, 2012 – Soil, India ink and silver pigment on canvas

Origine, 2009 – Soil, India ink and silver pigment on canvas

Terre de vent, 2012 – Soil, India ink and silver pigment on canvas

Rêve de terre II-3, 2009 – Soil, India ink and silver pigment on canvas

Terre de vent, 2011 – Soil, India ink and silver pigment on canvas

Terre de lune, 2010 – Soil, India ink and silver pigment on canvas

Terre de vent, 2011 – Soil, India ink and silver pigment on canvas

Origine, 2009 – Soil, India ink and silver pigment on canvas

Terre et lune, 2012 – Soil, India ink and silver pigment on canvas

Marchand de couleurs, 2009 – Soil, India ink and silver pigment on canvas

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