Typically black and white Korean traditional ink-and-brush landscape paintings are given a touch of brilliance in works by artist Kim Jong-sook.

The artist uses thousands of small Swarovski Elements, high quality crystal pieces by Swarovski, in her traditional Korean landscape paintings.

There have been many attempts to reinterpret Oriental landscape paintings by contemporary artists, and with Swarovski crystals, Kim transforms the calm, serene landscape into a world of fantasy and imagination.

Her 35 new paintings are currently on exhibit at Kwanhoon Gallery until Oct. 22, under the exhibition title “Artificial Landscape ― Variations.”

“Kim Jong-sook’s ‘Artificial Landscape’ series is visually and conceptually exceptional. Her acrylic paintings sparkle with polished Swarovski Elements and almost look like they transcend time and space,” said Heather Russell, senior specialist of modern and contemporary Asian art at artnet auctions and private sales.

The crystals dot every mountain ridge, valley, tree and flowers that employ the style of the famous Joseon-period painter Jeong Seon, the creator of a unique Korean landscape painting style known as “jingyeongsansuhwapung” developed during the late-Joseon period.

The mix of two different elements reveals complexities in modern life in which tradition and innovation, minds and materials collide, the artist’s note said.

For more information about the exhibition, call (02) 733-6469.

By Lee Woo-young (wylee@heraldcorp.com)