S. Sam Park

Born in 1949 in Seoul, Korea, Sung Sam Park began painting at the age of twelve. His talent and teaching abiltites were quickly recognized and just a year later, while still a junior high school student, he taught at the local high school. After graduating from Jung Ang University in 1973, Park traveled to France. Here he studied painting and lived with other young artists in Paris. His artistic style still clearly reflects the inspiration of the French Impressionists.

He briefly returned to Korea in 1984 to participate in the national Olympic sponsored art competition for the upcoming 1988 Seoul Olympic Games. With more than two thousand entrants, Park won and received a Gold Medal. Following the Olympics, Park’s painting was purchased by the Hyundai Corporation for permanent display in their corporate headquarters. In 1986, Park became a juror for the Heart and Mind Artists Association of Korea, which assesses all artwork presented for juried competition in Korea.

Park then returned to Europe where he lived for the next fourteen years, primarily in France, but also in Greece and Cyprus. While living in Cyprus, Park was commissioned by the President of Cyprus to paint a portrait of the First Lady. This and five other paintings by Park are currently displayed in the collection at the Presidential Palace. Throughout his European travels, he continued to study and evolve his vision of impressionism and hyper-realism. Park established himself in several European galleries and continues to exhibit in many of them today.

Park came to the United States in 1994, where he continues to live today in Southern California. He has exhibited in several American galleries, including the New York Art Expo.

Park is recognized, acknowledged, and collected around the world. His artistic style is reminiscent of the great impressionist painters combined with a brilliant color palette. He is most renowned for his European landscapes and cityscapes. Early on Park attracted the attention of prominent artists and Heads of State. Byun Si-Jin, former University President of Jo-Joo Island, was his private art teacher and mentor. Additionally, the former President of South Korea, Yoo Bo-Sun, personally awarded Park several first place honors in the national Mok-Woo Art Society competition. Park is still the youngest person ever to have competed in these competitions.

The internal prism through which Park refracts the scene before him produces a soft, romantic light, a manifestation of the sense of harmony and serenity that he seeks to experience and convey. While some artists seek to challenge and confront the viewer, Park seeks to reassure. Soon the canvas is filled with beautiful, refreshing, invigorating color, as if you could feel the gentle breezes that are blowing in from the Mediterranean. Park’s ability to capture light and paint subject matter of a broad range has contributed to his tremendous success and acknowledgment throughout the world. Of his technique, Park states, “If I can capture the sky, from whose light all color flows, I know the rest of the picture will fall into place. Next I paint the sea. Finally, I fill in that which lies between.”