Jury “A Ulsan-born artist whose firmly established artistic vision shows strong potential for further development.”

Currently a professor in the Department of Painting at Hongik University, a solo exhibition is scheduled to open at Gallery Art Nasal from January 27 next year.
 
The first recipient of the ‘Samdoo Art Award’, established by the Ulsan-based company Samdoo Engineering to support the development of local arts, has been selected as artist Lee Kang Wook, a native of Ulsan and professor in the Department of Painting at Hongik University. The prize includes an award of 20 million KRW and a solo exhibition to be held at Art Nasal in Seosaeng from January 27 to February 26 next year.

The ‘Samdoo Art Award’ Operating Committee—led by Chair Choi Young-su and Committee Director Joo Han-kyung—conducted a nationwide review and evaluation process before finalizing Lee as the inaugural laureate on the 30th.

The jury consisted of: Choi Eun-ju (Director of Daegu Art Museum), Hwang Suk-kwon (Editor-in-Chief of Monthly Art), Jeon Dong-hwi (Art Director of Paradise City Sega Sammy Art Project)

Committee Chair Choi Eun-ju, in her jury statement, noted: “Considering the significance and future direction of the newly established first Samdoo Art Prize, we selected Lee Kang Wook from among highly capable Ulsan-born contemporary artists. Lee has not only built a coherent and distinctive artistic world but also demonstrates strong potential for continued development. We expect him to grow into an artist who will play an active role in the global art scene.”

Lee grew up in Ulsan, graduating from elementary, middle, and high school in the city, and went on to complete both his BFA and MFA in Painting at Hongik University. At age 26, he became the youngest-ever Grand Prize winner of the JoongAng Fine Arts Prize, which brought him early recognition.

He has since received major awards including the Grand Prize at the Korea Painting Grand Exhibition, the Dong-A Art Award, and the SongEun Art Award, firmly establishing his reputation.

From 2006, Lee continued his studies in London, earning an MA in Fine Art from Chelsea College of Arts, University of the Arts London, and a Professional Doctorate in Fine Art (DFA) from the University of East London. He is currently a professor in the Department of Painting at Hongik University.
 
Lee’s ‘Invisible Space’ series explores the microscopic world, investigating imagined spaces that appear either minuscule or vast depending on the viewer’s perspective. His work has been described as ‘Painting expressed through the illusion of perception’ and as part of ‘Korea’s new abstract painting.’

The ‘Samdoo Art Award’ was jointly established by Samdoo Engineering and the Ulsan Arts Association to foster cultural and artistic development in the region and to support emerging talent. Samdoo Engineering CEO Choi Young-su donated 30 million KRW of personal funds for the operation of the prize.
 
From January 27 to February 26, Gallery Art Nasal will host a commemorative exhibition of the prize-winning works, along with the Samdoo Collection Exhibition, featuring works from CEO Choi’s personal collection.

References

• ‘삼두미술상’ 첫 수상자로 이강욱 작가 선정
  Artist Lee Kang Wook Named First Recipient of the ‘Samdoo Art Award’