Buying More Than Just An Artwork

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 To buy an artwork is, for me, like buying the artist’s thoughts, his human qualities, his potential.

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What role did art play in your childhood and teenage years? Were there any artists or collectors in your family?
There aren’t any artists or collectors in my family. There was a painting in an art textbook when I was in elementary school, I can’t remember which one, but I was mesmerized by it. I wanted to have it, but I didn’t know how to and I imagined that it would be very
expensive. So, I tried to copy it and hung the attempt on my wall.

For you, what is art?
Art has always been difficult for me. I’ve always tried to understand it. I wasn’t exposed to it for a long time as I was busy studying medicine. After I starting collecting, I spent more time trying to study it through books and by going to exhibitions and galleries. I now have as many books on art as I do on medicine. Of course, I also learned a lot through collecting.

How and when did you start collecting?
When I became a medical intern and started to earn money. My wife is also into art; we have that interest in common. I enjoy spending time with her, discussing art and collecting works.

What was the first artwork you purchased?
The first artwork I purchased was Kang Dae-un’s “Untitled”. I bought it from a gallery in 1979.

Has your taste in art changed much since you started collecting?
It hasn’t changed, but I think my taste has become more diversified. When I first started, I collected paintings, but now I also collect sculptures and installations.

How many artworks do you own? Where do you display your collection?
I don’t know the exact number, but I have over 400 artworks. I keep them in a designated warehouse and display about 250 of them in my hospital.

Who are the star artists in your collection?
Picasso and Nam June Paik. I think being an artist is the only job you could have and yet still be without food. I really admire the spirit of their art. I also like Lee Ho-Jung. I have many of his artworks. When I look at them, I feel like I have returned to the innocence of childhood.

How important is it for you to meet the artists?
It is very important to me. To buy an artwork is, for me, like buying the artist’s thoughts, his human qualities, his potential. Therefore, I like to meet the artists and get to know them better.

What is the main motivation behind your collecting?
To begin with, I collected an artwork because I liked it. But now, I want to contribute to the development of Korean art. I support artists through my collecting.
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