Former Korea Art Gallery Association President Park Juhwan Passes Away at Age 91

[Photo by Korea Art Dealers Association]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] Former Chairman Park Juhwan of Dongsan Gallery (photo) passed away on the 21st at the age of 91.

Born in 1929, the late opened Dongsan Gallery in 1961 and contributed to the growth and development of Korean art culture for decades through nurturing artists and exhibitions. He also played a midwife role in the establishment of the Korea Gallery Association. Serving as the 2nd and 6th chairman of the Korea Gallery Association, he greatly contributed to the revitalization and systematization of the Korean art market. Park Woohong, the 17th chairman of the Korea Gallery Association, is his son.

The late was renowned for framing works from the Joseon Dynasty’s representative Samwon and Samjae styles. He was a preferred framer for artists such as Cheongjeon Lee Sang-beom, Woljeon Jang Woosung, Cheon Kyungja, and Park Nosu. During the authenticity verification of Cheon Kyungja’s portrait of a beauty, it was revealed that the framing was done by Dongsan Gallery, which served as a reference. He was a living witness to the art world, having produced numerous emerging Oriental painters in Korea, including the now-master artists Lee Jongsang, Song Sunam, and Song Youngbang.

As a senior figure in the gallery community, he was highly respected by many and was recognized for his contributions by receiving the Cultural Medal (Order of Ok-gwan) in 2008 on Culture Day, the first gallery owner to be so honored.

The funeral of former Chairman Park Juhwan will be held under the Korea Gallery Association Chairman (Funeral Committee Chairman Choi Woongcheol, current Korea Gallery Association Chairman and representative of Woong Gallery). The funeral hall will be set up on the 23rd at Seoul National University Hospital Funeral Hall. The funeral procession will take place on the 25th at 9 a.m. at the Seoul National University Hospital where the funeral hall is located. After the funeral, he will be laid to rest at Gwangneung Memorial Park in Naechon-myeon, Pocheon City.