Critic's Note: As we look at the life and work of Woo Jae-Gil, the viewer cannot help feeling a solemn emotion. For example, His series of traditional paper, Hanji (Korean paper), involves a tremendously complicated procedure-the arranging of the paper, the planning of the collage, the transplanting of the calligraphy, the sensitization and drying.
Despite this complexity, it is clear that Woo enjoyed creating these works because of the amount he produced this year. Because of the tremendous amount of labor involved in these procedures, it is clear that Woo must be passionate about these techniques. It is evident that the brilliant colors, the traditional quality and the speed at which he created the forms, are new aspects to his work. Considering the volume produced, it would be safe to say that Woo thoroughly considered each work. It is this hard work that attracts the viewer to the overall design, which is bolder and more formalized.
The early stage of Woo’s work begins with a sense of ambiguity in the clear shapes and characters. In some areas there is more evidence of abstractness, the straight line and light prepares a surface for what is to follow. It is apparent that Woo Jae-Gil has begun to revoke the typical aesthetics of his abstract period, which is dominated by power, speed and space. He has refocused his work on exposing ripe emotion. A retrospective view of his work can be seen as a monodrama, the great part of which is already done.
Artist's Education: 1987 Gwangju University. Korea. B.A., Industrial Design.1989 Chonnam University, Korea. M.A., Art Education.
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