The Painters: Art Comes Alive

2024.11.04

By Funday Friends

Author:  Nabbosa Esther Juliet 
 

Seoul is no stranger to captivating performances and boundary-pushing shows,

but the PAINTERS show adds a splash of colour and creativity that's unlike any other.

I recently had the pleasure of attending this energetic live painting performance,

and it was an experience that left an indelible mark.

Combining live art, dance, and an electrifying atmosphere, PAINTERS has perfected a unique formula

that makes it a “must-see” in the city, and I was lucky enough to witness it firsthand. 

 

My first impression with just a single statement was “Wow, what a burst of colour.” 

From the moment I stepped into the PAINTERS venue, it was clear that this was no ordinary art show.

The lobby was decked out in vibrant colours that immediately caught the eye.

The bright spectrum of colours on the wall mirrored the energy of the performers—dynamic, bold, and impossible to ignore.

 

It caused a colourful riot that set the tone for what lay ahead.  

The anticipation was palpable among the crowd, as everyone lined up with excitement evident on their faces.

The space buzzed with an electric vibe that only grew as we made our way to our seats.  

 

The Performance: Art in Motion. 

The PAINTERS show is a sensory experience that goes beyond traditional art.

This isn't about artists quietly painting on a canvas; it’s a high-octane display where art collides with dance, music, and storytelling.

The artists are dancers as they are painters, and each stroke of the brush is accompanied by well-timed choreography, almost like a dance-off with the canvas. 

 

One of my highlights of the show was when the performers painted portraits of iconic figures,

such as Van Gogh, and Micheal Jackson with rapid precision, transforming blank canvases into stunning masterpieces before our eyes.

This was stunning to watch because I had never seen live art creation enhanced with a theatrical feel to it. 

 

 

In one particularly memorable sequence, the artists performed against a backdrop featuring

famous art pieces that morphed and transformed, almost as if the paintings were interacting with the performers themselves.

The crowd gasped as the final images revealed themselves with astonishing clarity, their vivid colours contrasting with the intense, black stage lighting.

The performers also engaged the audience, making everyone feel part of the act, as though we were collaborators in this unique creative process. 

 

Beyond the Show: Meeting the Performers. 

One of the unique aspects of the PAINTERS show is the chance to meet the artists afterwards,

bridging the gap between performers and the audience in a way that few shows do.

After the performance, I had the opportunity to take a photo with some of the talented artists.

They were warm, friendly, and passionate about their work,

taking time to interact with everyone individually.

 

In my photograph with the artists, you can see the paint splatters on their clothes, a testament to the physicality of their performance.

These weren’t simply props; every splatter and smear of paint spoke to the intensity of their live work on stage.

It was as though their outfits were an extension of the canvas, turning them into living, breathing pieces of art. 

 

A Taste of Memorabilia. 

To top off the experience, the PAINTERS gift shop offered a variety of souvenirs,

ranging from t-shirts to water bottles, all emblazoned with the show’s signature logo.

I couldn’t resist snapping a shot of the display, which was a colourful mini gallery in itself.

This gave audience members a chance to take home a piece of the experience,

whether in the form of a cap or a tote bag and relive the magic

long after they’d left the venue. 

 

 

A Unique Blend of Art and Entertainment. 

 

What sets the PAINTERS show apart, is its combination of art and entertainment.

In most settings, art is observed passively, hanging on walls in silent galleries.

PAINTERS, however, makes art active, energetic, and alive.

It's a show that defies categorization—equal parts dance performance, visual art display, and theatrical experience.

The energy was so infectious that even as the final scene wrapped up, the audience remained captivated,

almost reluctant to leave this colourful world that the artists had so masterfully created. 

 

 

As I walked away, clutching a bag of PAINTERS souvenirs and a gift bag,

I felt a sense of satisfaction that only a truly unique artistic experience can provide.

The PAINTERS show had not only entertained but also inspired me.

It’s a rare gem that celebrates creativity in all its messy, colourful glory,

and for anyone visiting Seoul, this show should be at the top of your to-do list.  

In the end, PAINTERS isn't just a show—it's an immersive journey that celebrates

art’s ability to surprise, move, and connect. It's a reminder that art doesn’t

have to sit still in frames; sometimes, it can dance across a stage, paint itself into existence, and leave you spellbound. 

 

The Painters are one of the most popular non-verbal art performance groups in Korea. 
See them in The Painters Gwanghwamun Theater (1F, Kyunghang Art Hill) 3, Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul