White Ox, Lee Jung-seob - Canvas
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What do we see in this canvas White Ox, Lee Jung-seob?
The painting "White Ox" or "흰 소" in Korean, which is printed here on canvas, was created in 1954 by the Korean artist Lee Jung-seob – one year after the end of the devastating Korean War (1950–1953). It is a work that goes far beyond its outward simplicity. It bears deep traces of personal and collective history and exemplifies the suffering, strength, and quiet resilience of an entire people – and at the same time the existential loneliness of the artist himself.
To understand the depth of the painting, one must know the historical circumstances. Korea was in a state of political and social upheaval for decades. From 1910 to 1945, the country was a colony of Japan. Only with the end of World War II could Korea formally regain its independence – but not in freedom and peace. The country was divided by foreign powers – the USA in the south and the Soviet Union in the north – which ultimately led to the Korean War, further tearing apart the already battered country.
Lee Jung-seob experienced these times firsthand. Due to the unstable situation in Korea and increasing hardship, he sent his wife and children to Japan – a country that once ruled Korea as a colonial power but was considered safer at that moment than the war-torn homeland. Lee remained alone in Korea. Separated from his family, with no prospect of a reunion soon, he lived in deep loneliness and inner turmoil. Yet he wanted to stay strong for his family, not give up – even though the pain almost broke him.
In this emotional and historical context, the image of the white ox is to be seen. The ox is a symbol in Korean culture for endurance, strength, patience, and quiet determination – all qualities embodied by both the Korean people after decades of colonial rule and war, as well as Lee himself in his personal situation. The white ox thus stands for both the collective suffering of Korea and the individual struggle of the artist. It is vulnerable and strong at the same time. Lonely, yet full of dignity. Bent, but not broken.
"White Ox" is therefore not just a painting, but an expression of inner distress, political history, and universal human feelings such as longing, love, pain, and hope. It tells of a time when strength was not loud but quiet – carried by the will to survive and not lose connection to loved ones.
White Ox at the exhibition
Canvas - Lee Jung-seob, White Ox
Looking for some flair for your office or home? Your search ends here! This canvas print - White Ox by Lee Jung-seob with vibrant and fade-resistant colors is sure to catch the eye.
• 3.18 cm (1.25″) thick canvas fabric made of poly-cotton blend
• Canvas fabric weight: 344 g/m² +/- 25 g/m² (10.15 +/- 0.74 oz./yd.²)
• Lightfast
• Manually stretched over a solid wood stretcher frame
• Mounting brackets included
• Blank from the USA, Canada, Europe, Great Britain, or Australia
