Ri Chang was born as a son Ri Yong Ak, poet, in Kyongsong County, North Hamgyong Province, in August 1942. Since his boyhood he showed an inclination to drawing and was good at it.
Following his father’s advice, Ri began to take lessons in Korean painting at the Pyongyang University of Fine Arts. His teacher was Jong Jong Yo, the esteemed painter.
At 21, after graduating from the university summa cum laude, he took up teaching fine arts at Kim Chol Ju University of Education.
He established his fame with his maiden work Old Boatman in the Rakdong River, the Korean painting which was set against the background of the fatherland liberation war (June 1950 - July 1953) and highly appreciated in the 9th national fine arts exhibition held in the 1966.
Ri recalled: “I got the idea of my painting from the story of an army officer about his experiences. I had difficulties in portraying the hero, which irritated me at first. But I didn’t give up and made tireless efforts. When I met an old boatman for my model in Turu Island on the Taedong River, I was very excited.”
Then he realized that high artistry and techniques devoid of practical experience can never produce an excellent work.
In 1973 he was promoted to the Korean painting production company under the Mansudae Art Studio, and began to produce a number of significant paintings on various themes.
He was awarded the titles of Merited Artist in 1976 and People’s Artist in 1991, and won Kim Il Sung Prize in 2006.
He won “The Best Creative Award” at the 12th Beijing International Art Exposition held in 2009 and held his private show in Beijing in 2012.
He always tells his juniors to embed the conscience in their works.
At the age of 71 he obtained his doctorate in art.
Many of his disciples are also famous painters.
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