Artist Converts Classic Korean Paper into Vast Sceneries

For modern artist Lee Hyun-Joung, the traditional Korean paper called hanji serves as more than merely an artistic medium; it acts as a link to Korea’s extensive cultural legacy. This paper, historically utilized in various artistic expressions such as calligraphy and painting, provides Lee with a means to convey and examine themes of patience, cultural remembrance, and material reverence.

Lee reinvents hanji in her contemporary pieces, morphing them into abstract vistas marked by black ink brushwork. These creations encapsulate the spirit of natural events like surging waves and swirling winds while prompting reflection. Lee characterizes her art as a symbolic quest, where each stroke represents an irrevocable choice mirroring life’s inherent unpredictability.

Her methodology is both contemplative and precise, as she operates directly on the ground, forming a close connection with her medium. The rhythm and fluidity present in her brushwork highlight the vibrant texture of hanji, rendering each piece a reflection of time, movement, and individual contemplation. Lee’s commitment to her art illustrates the significance of relying on one’s inner feelings to steer the artistic journey.

Lee’s perspective on art provides a distinctive view into the transformative essence of creativity, as her pieces resonate with presence and hold a subtle richness that invites periods of self-examination. Her partnership with Galerie Sept emphasizes her groundbreaking contributions to Korean art, where she persistently motivates with her insightful and expressive works.