# Monk Seonggak Exhibits Zen-Inspired Art in Busan The exhibition explores innocence and nature through traditional Buddhist ink painting techniques. - **Source:** [Dong-A Ilbo](https://www.donga.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-10 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/a68c390b-0f63-473a-966f-4f8df8639f21 ## Zen Master's Special Exhibition Monk Seonggak, a distinguished master of Korean Zen calligraphy and painting with forty years of experience, recently launched his special exhibition titled 'Nature and Finding Hidden Innocence.' The event is hosted at the Busan Student Arts and Culture Center Gallery Yemun, located in the North District of Busan, South Korea. ## Cultural Heritage Recognition Serving as the head monk of Mangwunsa Temple in Namhae County, Seonggak is recognized as a unique intangible cultural heritage figure in South Korea. He holds the official title of Busan City Intangible Cultural Heritage holder for his specialized skills in creating Zen paintings, which are deeply rooted in Buddhist spiritual practice. ## Artistic Themes and Subjects The exhibition features approximately thirty distinct artworks that utilize ink and empty space to capture natural elements. Subjects include mountains, water, trees, flowers, sun, moon, birds, and fish. A central focus remains the innocent expressions of children, which the artist uses to symbolize the recovery of humanity's original, pure heart. ## Philosophy of Interconnectedness Through his artistic creations, Monk Seonggak interprets the Buddhist concept of dependent origination, which posits that all living beings exist in mutual reliance. By depicting nature and children, he aims to convey the interconnectedness of life, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own existence within the broader natural world. ## Defining Zen Calligraphy Zen calligraphy and painting, often referred to as Seonhwa, serve as a medium for capturing the spirit of enlightenment through ink. Unlike traditional academic art, this practice is not constrained by rigid brush techniques or formal rules. Instead, it prioritizes the spontaneous expression of insights gained through deep meditative spiritual practice. ## Focus on Childlike Innocence While the genre of Zen painting allows for an unlimited range of subjects, Monk Seonggak consistently focuses on the smiles of children and natural landscapes. He believes these images best represent the unadulterated state of the human mind, serving as a visual bridge between spiritual enlightenment and everyday human experience. ## Academic and Spiritual Leadership Beyond his role as a temple abbot, Seonggak serves as a distinguished professor at Dong-eui University. His dual role as an academic and a religious leader allows him to bridge traditional Buddhist arts with contemporary audiences, ensuring that the ancient techniques of Zen painting remain relevant in modern cultural discourse today. ## Significance of the Showcase This exhibition highlights the enduring relevance of traditional ink painting in contemporary society. By presenting these works in a public educational facility, the artist provides a space for contemplation. The collection serves as a reminder of the importance of simplicity and purity in an increasingly complex and fast-paced modern world. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.donga.com/news/Culture/article/all/20261111/135002490/2 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._