Beomeosa Seongbo Museum, Kim Jong-ho Solo Exhibition 'Meeting of Buddha's Smile and Lotus: Stories of the Four Seasons'

Over 60 Works Featuring Buddhist Contemplation and Nature
Kim Jong-ho Establishes a New Artistic Journey

Beomeosa Seongbo Museum will hold the 5th solo exhibition of artist Kim Jong-ho titled "The Meeting of Buddha's Smile and the Lotus: Stories of the Four Seasons" from the 8th to the 16th.

This exhibition is the first invitational exhibition presented by Beomeosa Seongbo Museum in celebration of 2025, marking an important turning point as artist Kim Jong-ho concludes his 38-year-long career in education and embarks on a new artistic journey.

Poster for artist Kim Jong-ho's solo exhibition 'The Meeting of Buddha's Smile and Lotus: Stories of the Four Seasons.' Provided by Beomeosa Temple Cultural Heritage Museum.

Kim Jong-ho served as the principal of Haedong Middle School, dedicating himself to the development of local community education over 38 years. He has actively participated in the art world through over 300 group exhibitions and 4 solo exhibitions.

This exhibition showcases the fruits of his long artistic exploration, presenting more than 60 works that depict the four seasons of nature, using Buddhist compassion and the lotus as symbolic elements. Through this exhibition, Kim offers viewers an opportunity to reflect on the depth of life through works that embody Buddhist contemplation and harmony with nature.

The exhibition highlights Kim Jong-ho’s earnest exploration of plein air sketching and figurative painting conducted outdoors over the years.

Works expressing his profound inquiry into Buddhist thought and the essence of human existence through the lotus and Buddha’s smile will be displayed. His pieces, centered on the vitality and light of nature, combine poetic imagination with realistic painting styles, leaving a deep impression on visitors.

Reflecting on the path he walked with his students during his teaching career, Kim Jong-ho has painted in search of his own unique colors. This exhibition serves as an important milestone capturing the meaning of color and the beauty of light he pursues, establishing his distinctive artistic world anew.

Jeong Oh, the head monk and director of Beomeosa Temple, congratulated the exhibition, saying, “We celebrate Kim Jong-ho’s exhibition and hope it brings comfort and enlightenment to many, like the anticipation of spring.”

Choi Jang-rak, director of the Busan Art Association, expressed expectations, stating, “The works by Kim Jong-ho, which convey the essence of nature and Buddhist philosophy, will greatly contribute to Busan’s cultural and artistic scene.”

Through this exhibition, Kim Jong-ho aims to expand his artistic journey in a new direction, connecting nature, humanity, and Buddhist thought through art, and hopes it will offer viewers a chance to reflect on the meaning of life and heal emotional wounds.

This exhibition is expected to be a valuable opportunity to glimpse the artistic depth of Kim Jong-ho. Especially through works depicting the changes of nature across the four seasons, visitors will likely discover the journey of life and the hidden meanings within. We look forward to the interest and attendance of Busan citizens and Buddhists alike.

Artist Kim Jong-ho.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.