E2024-G169

Activism Through Art: The Painter O Ji-ho

Narrative

O Ji-ho (1905-1982) was a painter specializing in Western painting, namely the impressionist style. Born to a wealthy family, Oh went to Japan to study Western painting from 1926 to 1931, but tried to create a uniquely Korean style of painting. His renowned works include “A House Facing South” (1939), “September Landscape of Mt. Mudeung” (1949), and “Water Lilies” (1957). In the 1960s, he established the Chosun University College of Fine Arts, as well as the Honam Korean Literature Institute. O Ji-ho’s birthplace and O Ji-ho Memorial Hall, which is part of the Unnim-dong Museum Street, are both located along on Jiho-ro Road, which is named after him.

Story Map

• Cultural Icons: Artists Who Shaped Gwangju’s Identity
  • Korean-American Abstract Expressionist: Po Kim
  • Gwangju’s Mid-Century Fine Arts Community
  • The Magician of Colors: Chun Kyung-Ja
  • The Art and Life of Heo Baek-ryeon, Gwangju’s Representative Painter
  • Activism Through Art: The Painter O Ji-ho