Yang Dal-seok's work 'Prayer for National Salvation'. Arts Island Gallery

The story takes us back to the 1950s. Artist Yang Dal-seok (1908~1984), a native of Busan, encountered a Japanese magazine featuring Admiral Yi Sun-sin in Hwanghak-dong, Seoul. The magazine contained an illustration depicting the Admiral praying to the heavens.

Although it was a small illustration drawn from a Japanese perspective, Yang was deeply moved by the solemn spirit of the Admiral conveyed within it and resolved to create his own portrayal of Yi Sun-sin based on this inspiration. From that day forward, Yang Dal-seok dedicated himself wholeheartedly to painting Admiral Yi Sun-sin.

Coincidentally, Yang Dal-seok himself had served as a captain in the Republic of Korea Navy during the Korean War.

Featured in American Art Magazine, Lauded with Praise

The portrayal of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, once completed, garnered unexpected attention. When the work was introduced in a prestigious American art magazine, local experts lauded it as a masterpiece, remarking on its "distinctive Eastern spirit and meticulous depiction."

The recognition was particularly significant because it was rare for a Korean artist to have their work acknowledged in the global market around the 1950s. This news also reached the Korean art scene, serving as a crucial opportunity for Yang Dal-seok to solidify his position as an artist.

A Tumultuous Life, and a Smile of 'Filial Fortune'

An article from the Kyunghyang Shinmun dated April 22, 1970, briefly mentions Yang Dal-seok's personal life behind his artistic career. The artist had to endure hardships, including the death of his wife amidst poverty. However, as the saying goes, "After hardship comes joy," his children grew up to be outstanding individuals.

Yang Dal-seok's eldest son became a promising scientist, earning a Ph.D. in nuclear science from the United States at the young age of 26. His second son completed a master's degree in theater arts in the United States before returning to Korea to become a prominent figure in the domestic arts community.

Yang Dal-seok shared his sentiments, stating, "After quietly walking the arduous path of an artist, I feel as though the past sufferings are compensated by watching my children's success."

Meanwhile, from the 1st to the 19th, the Arts Island Gallery 2 in Sodong Village, Ilun-myeon, Geoje City, Gyeongsangnam-do, is hosting a special exhibition titled "A Special Exhibition of Geoje Painter Yang Dal-seok, Who Painted the Shepherd Boy and Paradise." This exhibition features approximately 70 works collected from the holdings of the Geoje Haejo Museum of Art (Hahong-myeon) and the Yang Dal-seok Art Museum (Sadeung-myeon).

The exhibition, which includes oil paintings, watercolors, and drawings, will also showcase the artwork "The Last Prayer," depicting Yi Sun-sin praying to the heavens.

Arts Island Gallery, where Yang Dal-seok's exhibition is being held.Reporter Im Yo-hee