Bamboos in Wind

1934

Bamboos in Wind, 1934. Kim Jin-woo (Korean, 1883–1950). Ten-panel folding screen; ink on paper; each panel: 128.9 x 33 cm (50 3/4 x 13 in.); each panel framed: 194.3 x 47.6 cm (76 1/2 x 18 3/4 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund 2022.91 Active during the Japanese colonial period in Korea (1910–45), the artist Jin-woo Kim earned his artistic reputation for his expressive renditions of bamboo swaying in a strong wind. His piercing bamboo shoots are often compared to an iron spear, and their sharp leaves to a knife. It is believed that he deliberately emphasized sharpness in his brushstrokes to express his strong resistance against Japanese colonial oppression. The artist’s prolific artistic production were a major part of fundraising efforts to support resistance activities for Korea’s independence.