Kwon Dae Sup South Korean, b. 1952
Kwon Dae Sup is a leading artist in South Korea renowned for his moon jar, having dedicated over 40 years to studying the aesthetic beauty of Joseon white porcelain. While faithfully following to traditional methods of Joseon white porcelain production, Kwon Dae Sup's works encompass not just a reproduction of tradition but also encapsulate the enduring beauty found in Joseon white porcelain that persists even until the present time. Through his artworks, the artist showcases a sculptural language not rooted in the past but connected to and resonant with the present.
Kwon Dae Sup’s moon jars have garnered significant admiration not only in South Korea but also among collectors worldwide including global art collectors such as RM of BTS, the eminent architect Norman Foster, and the renowned European space designer and gallerist Axel Vervoordt. Born in 1952, Kwon Dae Sup graduated from the Department of Fine Arts at Hongik University and has exhibited in cities such as Seoul, Daegu, Belgium, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. His works are housed in the Leeum Museum of Art, the Gime Museum, and the Art Institute of Chicago. In 2021, he was honored with the Hwagwan Cultural Medal, awarded by the South Korean government to artists who have made significant contributions to the advancement of culture and arts.
Unlike perfectly circular vessels, Kwon Dae Sup’s moon jars reveal different facets depending on the viewing angle and emanate various shades of pure white depending on the light in the surrounding space. Alongside the artist's skill, the inherent beauty of nature added during the creative process imbues Kwon Dae Sup's porcelain with a subtle richness. His moon jars possess a diversity within restraint, reminiscent of the aesthetic sensibilities of our ancient artifacts, maintaining a consistent beauty.
Rather than dwelling solely on tradition, Kwon Dae Sup's artworks showcase a sculptural language that resonates with and is relevant to the present. This integration of tradition and contemporary relevance adds depth and nuance to his creations, making them not only visually captivating but also conceptually rich.
