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.