Biography

Choi Buk (최북, 1712-1760) was a Korean painter of the late Joseon period  who became one of the most celebrated and colorful figures in Korean art history. He used many artistic names including Samgijae, Hosaenggwan, Songjae, Giam, and Geogijae. He was known as a skilled landscape painter, but also drew portraits, flowers and animals.  His work is characterized by economical but insistent brushstrokes, revealing both technical mastery and a contemplative temperament , with paintings that create conversations between stillness and motion, emptiness and texture. What makes Choi Buk particularly fascinating is his legendary independence and fierce artistic integrity. According to legend, when a powerful aristocrat tried to force him to paint, Choi refused and had one eye pierced as punishment, losing sight in that eye  . Some sources claim he actually put out his own eye rather than compromise his artistic vision. He lived a bohemian, unconventional life, and adopted the alias “Chil Chil” (Seven Seven) because he believed he would die at age 49 (7 x 7) . Tragically, he fulfilled this prophecy by lying down to sleep in a snow pit, where he froze to death at 49 . Choi was selected to represent Korean arts as a member of the historic Tongsinsa envoy to Japan , and he associated with other renowned artists like Kim Hong-do and Kim Deuk-sin. His works continue to be valued highly—auction prices have ranged from around $2,500 to over $40,000.