CHIHWASEON Asian New Classics

In a time of political upheaval in 19th century Korea, an uncouth beggar child grows up to become one of the most brilliant and beloved painters of his era. Korean master Im Kwon-Taek won the award for Best Directior at this year’s Cannes Film Festival for his biography of the uncompromising genius of “Ohwon” Jang Seung Up.

Rescued from the streets by a nobleman, Ohwan soon gained recognition as a prodigy for his ability to recreate paintings from memory. But his unbending artistic temperament and a healthy appetite for wine and women plagued his endless quest to achieve something greater with his art.

A master instructs Ohwon: “Paint not the object, but the meaning it holds.” CHIHWASEON has achieved this very task in depicting the life of an artist, from childhood all the way to legend.