Exhibition of Venerable Beopjeong’s Calligraphy and Letters Celebrates His Spirit of Non-Possession
Creatrip Team
2 months ago
An exhibition of about 100 brush-calligraphy works and letters by Venerable Beopjeong opened from Feb. 19 to Mar. 21 at Space Supernormal, opposite Gilsangsa temple, marking the 16th anniversary of his passing. Known for calling his ink paintings and poems “brush play,” Beopjeong (a renowned Korean Buddhist monk) wrote vertical Hangul lines alongside simple ink drawings—often a teapot and teacup—expressing the quiet pleasures of solitary life in mountain hermitages. The show includes intimate letters he sent to disciples and friends, revealing a warm, caring side as he thanks supporters, encourages a teacher raising children, and exchanges seasonal greetings. Also on display are photos of the monk at hermitages and during illness, and the previously unseen 1975 inscription (sangnyangmun) from Burilam with contributors’ names, including artists and designers. The exhibition and catalog aim to revive Beopjeong’s “non-possession” (muso-yu) ethos; Gilsangsa plans a future museum to preserve and exhibit his works.
