The Tree and the Mountain – A Surrealist Vision of Nature's Embrace

Lee Jung-seop’s “The Tree and the Mountain,” painted in 1975, is not your average landscape. This oil on canvas masterwork, housed in the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) Seoul, plunges us into a surrealist dreamscape where nature intertwines with the artist’s inner world. It is an exploration of solitude and existential longing, all rendered through bold brushstrokes and a vibrant palette that simultaneously evokes joy and melancholia.

At first glance, “The Tree and the Mountain” appears deceptively simple. A lone, gnarled tree dominates the foreground, its branches stretching towards a towering mountain shrouded in mist. But this simplicity is merely a facade. Look closer, and you’ll notice the strange contortions of the tree trunk, reminiscent of a human figure reaching for the heavens. The leaves, rendered in swirling strokes of emerald green and turquoise, appear almost sentient, pulsating with an otherworldly energy.

The mountain itself, a formidable presence looming over the scene, is not merely geological. It embodies Lee’s own introspective journey. The peaks and valleys carved into its surface evoke the complex terrain of the human psyche, suggesting both inner turmoil and a yearning for spiritual transcendence. The mist that envelops the mountain further amplifies this sense of mystery and ambiguity, blurring the lines between reality and imagination.

Lee Jung-seop’s artistic vision was deeply influenced by his experiences as a witness to the tumultuous history of 20th century Korea.

The Korean War (1950-1953) left an indelible mark on the nation, both physically and psychologically. For artists like Lee, who were grappling with the trauma of war and displacement, art became a refuge, a means of expressing their deepest emotions and grappling with existential questions. “The Tree and the Mountain” can be seen as a reflection of this post-war angst, exploring themes of isolation, longing, and the search for meaning in a world scarred by violence.

The brushstrokes themselves are a key element of the painting’s emotional impact. Lee’s technique is characterized by bold, expressive strokes that create a sense of dynamism and movement. Unlike traditional landscapes that strive for meticulous detail, “The Tree and the Mountain” embraces abstraction, allowing the viewer’s imagination to fill in the gaps. This intentional ambiguity enhances the painting’s ability to connect with viewers on a deeply personal level, inviting them to project their own experiences onto the canvas.

Beyond its immediate visual impact, “The Tree and the Mountain” is a profound meditation on the relationship between humanity and nature. Lee portrays nature not as an idyllic backdrop but as a powerful force that shapes our lives and influences our inner world. The tree, reaching towards the mountain, symbolizes this interconnectedness. It suggests that we are part of something larger than ourselves, inextricably linked to the natural world around us.

Lee Jung-seop’s “The Tree and the Mountain” is more than just a beautiful painting; it’s a window into the artist’s soul, an exploration of the human condition in all its complexity. It reminds us that even in the face of adversity and uncertainty, there is beauty to be found in the natural world, and that art can serve as a powerful tool for healing, reflection, and connection.

The work continues to resonate with audiences today because it taps into universal themes that transcend cultural boundaries: the search for meaning, the yearning for connection, and the power of nature to inspire and console. It’s a testament to the enduring power of art to speak across generations and cultures.