Chairman Lee Geon-hee Was a Great Partner in the Culture and Arts Sector

Modern Art Master Lee Ufan's Memorial Tribute 'There Was a Giant' Released
"A Titan and an Artist Embracing Madness, Grateful for His Incalculable Achievements"

"A precious friend has been lost. The iron man (哲人) who opened an era has departed."

Renowned Korean contemporary artist Lee Ufan (85) mourned the late Lee Kun-hee, former chairman of Samsung Group, who passed away last October. Lee Ufan shared anecdotes about Chairman Lee in an article titled "There Was a Giant," published in the March issue of the literary magazine Hyundae Munhak.

He wrote about Chairman Lee, "To me, he seemed less like a businessman and more like a resolute iron man or an artist harboring a kind of madness." He added, "Chairman Lee asked questions such as, 'Why do outstanding works of art appear like riddles every time we face them?' or 'It seems artists sometimes experience leaps or flashes?what triggers those moments?' Such questions themselves are evidence of sharp insight and a strong will to challenge the unknown."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Lee Ufan also shared an unforgettable story from his younger days. "I think it was before he became chairman. When I visited his home, I was led to the living room as usual. What immediately caught my eye was a framed calligraphy piece written beside a recent hanging of Wandang (阮堂, Kim Jeong-hui). I was overwhelmed for a moment by the bold spirit of the large characters, which seemed to radiate a fierce energy. I asked him, 'Don’t you feel something from this calligraphy?' He replied, 'I certainly do. It feels eerie and chilling. But I think this level of stimulation is good,' and laughed. He then advised, 'You are a strong person. But this belongs in a museum or somewhere similar. It’s not good for your health, so it would be better to remove it from the room.' Later, I learned that he had it removed as soon as I left."

Chairman Lee showed considerable enthusiasm for collecting artworks. He amassed a wide range of treasures, including national treasures such as calligraphy and ceramics, Western modern art by artists like Picasso, Monet, and Alberto Giacometti, as well as Korean modern and contemporary art by artists such as Lee Jung-seop, Kim Whanki, and Lee Ufan himself. The total appraised value of his collection is said to reach trillions of won.

Regarding his taste and interest, Lee Ufan commented, "While the love for antiques was greatly influenced by his predecessor, Chairman Lee Byung-chul, from what I observed, he had developed a different scale, connoisseurship, and approach than his father." He added, "Even with Korean artworks, he pursued pieces with strong presence and high completeness, always selecting works with a global perspective. Thanks to this, Korea’s classical and modern art, as well as its global contemporary art collections, have become highly regarded by the international art world. Especially his passion for Korean ancient ceramics exudes an unimaginable eros." He concluded by expressing hope that "the collected artworks will be well preserved."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Lee Ufan noted that Chairman Lee’s achievements in the domestic and international cultural and artistic fields are immeasurable, writing, "In particular, the establishment and expansion of Korean sections in major museums such as the British Museum in the UK, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the US, and the Guimet Museum in France cannot be discussed without acknowledging Chairman Lee’s will, both directly and indirectly." In tribute, he stated, "As an artist, I once again applaud him and express my heartfelt gratitude." He concluded, "It is a common fate of the world that only after losing a presence do we realize the magnitude of that presence. The economy, science and technology, sports, and cultural and artistic communities have lost their greatest supporter, strongest promoter, and a great companion."