Mario Jung (Myung Jung) was born in Seoul, South Korea, on September 14, 1949. His life took a dramatic turn after surviving a catastrophic accident that left him temporarily paralyzed, blind, and deaf. Against all odds, Jung recovered completely, inspiring those around him with his relentless determination. Through a remarkable, spiritually guided recovery, Mario Jung reclaimed his passion for art and went on to gain international fame for his vibrant, highly textured impasto landscapes.
He developed a versatile artistic style that captures the imagination: richly colored landscapes filled with texture and warmth, often requiring up to 12 tubes of oil paint. His bold brushstrokes, bursting with fields of color and thick layers of paint, transport viewers to sunsets over poppies or invite them to rest under evocative trees. His realistic, nuanced paintings (nu realism) evoke tranquility with sunflowers and lavender fields dancing alongside beautifully sculpted vineyards.
Mario’s extraordinary talent and diverse portfolio have fueled his rising popularity worldwide. His artwork resonates across continents. He has been collected in over 20 U.S. states, South Korea, Germany, and Spain, solidifying his reputation as a rising international artist.
Beyond his art, Mario dedicates his free time to volunteering with the Salvation Army, embodying his inspiring perseverance.
Artist Mario Jung in his studio.
Let's Talk Technique:
What is oil impasto? The term impasto describes thickly applied paint that stands out from the surface, creating a tangible texture. First popularized in the 17th century by masters like Rembrandt and Frans Hals, impasto reached new heights in the 19th century with Vincent van Gogh, whose thickly layered strokes defined his signature style. Artists such as Mario Jung continue to explore this dynamic technique, emphasizing the physicality of paint in their compositions.
What makes Mario’s work truly unique? Texture. His paintings feature thick, bold oil applications that leap off the canvas, particularly in the foreground. This textured brilliance draws viewers’ attention and adds depth. The trees in his landscapes serve as focal points. They are brightly colored and textured in impasto, which naturally draws the eye again and again, creating compelling, memorable compositions.
Mario Jung is proudly represented by Modern Masters Fine Art in Charleston, SC.
An original painting by Mario Jung, recently sold.
Photorealism and hyperrealism represent two distinct movements in art, each with its unique approach and intent. Photorealism is an artistic technique characterized by the incredibly detailed replication of a photograph, with a strong emphasis on mechanical precision and accuracy. Artists in this genre strive to create works that are indistinguishable from photographs, meticulously capturing every detail, texture, and hue as if an image has been transferred directly from camera to canvas.
In contrast, hyperrealism takes this technical mastery to a new level by adding layers of emotion, narrative, and deliberate imperfections that make the subject seem "more real than real." Hyperrealists intentionally embrace a more subjective approach, aiming to evoke feelings and tell stories through their art. This often involves using multiple reference photos, allowing artists to blend elements and create a heightened sense of reality that transcends mere duplication.
When it comes to creative freedom, photorealism is often seen as constrained by the original photograph; artists work tirelessly to produce an exact replica, resulting in a work that is bound to the source material. Hyperrealism, however, operates on a different level. Artists use photographs as reference points but frequently alter elements such as lighting and texture, or introduce imaginative components to convey specific social, political, or psychological messages. This freedom allows them to create art that is not only visually stunning but also rich in meaning and thought-provoking narratives.
Photorealists adopt a detached perspective, aiming to strip away any personal expression and emotion. Their goal is to mirror the precision of a camera, producing art that reflects reality in the most straightforward manner. Photorealism is primarily anchored in two-dimensional art forms, such as painting and drawing, where every brushstroke is executed to mimic the appearance of a photograph.
Hyperrealists infuse their work with rich context and deep emotional resonance. They carefully construct their pieces to reflect not only physical reality but also the underlying narratives and psychological complexities of their subjects, drawing on a range of photographic references to enhance authenticity. Hyperrealism spans a wider array of artistic media. This includes not only impeccably detailed paintings and drawings but also intricate three-dimensional sculptures and digital artworks that push the boundaries of traditional techniques.