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Bodhidharma (Dalma)
Bodhidharma (Dalma)

Bodhidharma (Dalma)

Artist Junggwang Korean, 1935 - 2002
Date1981
MaterialsInk on paper
DimensionsH. 27 1/8 in x W. 26 1/4 in, H. 68.9 cm x W. 66.7 cm (image); H. 52 1/4 in x W. 30 1/4 in, H. 132.7 cm x W. 76.8 cm (overall)
Credit LineGift from the artist through the San Francisco/Seoul Sister City Committee
Object numberB81D28
DepartmentKorean Art
ClassificationsPainting
On View
Not on view
Text Entries

Bodhidharma (Korean: Dalma), an Indian monk who traveled to China and founded the school of Buddhism known in Korea as Seon (Zen) was one of the favorite subjects of monk painters. Using swift, confident rough brushstrokes to create areas of strong contrast with dark ink on white paper, Junggwang painted this unconventional image of Bodhidharma, which is filled with energy and power.

During the time Junggwang was a member of the monastic community, he frequently painted this revered Seon master. By 1990, he had already been expelled from the monastic order owing to his unorthodox philosophy and flamboyant behavior. During his last years, he painted in a wide range of styles and dealt with both religious and secular themes. Although he lived in Seoul, he was widely known in the San Francisco Bay Area.