The Language Of Hanji

A connection to art began early in Minjung Kim’s childhood. Born in 1962 in Gwangju, South Korea, she grew up immersed in the study of traditional Korean calligraphy and painting. Under the guidance of her teachers, she mastered the delicate yet disciplined techniques of ink-wash painting and the use of hanji, a type of traditional handmade Korean mulberry paper. These formative years ingrained in her the values of precision, patience, and mindfulness—qualities that would later define her artistic philosophy.

In 1991, Kim moved to Europe to broaden her artistic horizons. She enrolled at the prestigious Brera Academy of Fine Arts in Milan, Italy, where she studied Western art history and contemporary art practices. Her exposure to modernist and abstract movements in Europe had a transformative impact on her approach. While she embraced new ideas and techniques, Kim retained the essence of her Korean heritage, allowing her to create a unique fusion of Eastern and Western artistic traditions.

What distinguishes Kim’s work is its minimalist aesthetic and contemplative quality. She often describes her art as an exploration of harmony, impermanence, and the passage of time—themes deeply influenced by Taoism and Zen Buddhism. Her artistic style is characterized by the interplay of traditional Korean mediums and contemporary abstraction, with a focus on simplicity and balance.

One of Kim’s signature techniques involves the use of hanji, which she layers and manipulates to create complex textures and patterns. Employing fire as a tool of creation, she burns the edges of paper with incense sticks or flame to produce delicate, organic forms. This technique represents transformation and impermanence, symbolizing the ephemeral nature of existence. The resulting works are both tactile and ethereal, inviting viewers to reflect on the tension between creation and destruction.

“I feel the weight of life is too heavy and it comes from the gravity of the body. I’m so eager to achieve my status of anima without a gravity-bound body. All action of the process to make art is burning my own body through hanji paper,” she says.

Kim also incorporates repetition and rhythmic gestures into her compositions, drawing from her training in calligraphy. Her works often feature meditative patterns and fluid brushstrokes, evoking the flow of energy and the cyclical nature of life. Through her use of ink, watercolor, and collage, Kim creates layered abstractions that oscillate between control and spontaneity.

Yet central to Minjung Kim’s practice is the concept of balance—between light and shadow, form and emptiness, and tradition and innovation. Her art is deeply influenced by the natural world, particularly the rhythms and cycles of nature. For instance, her “Mountain” series abstracts traditional Korean landscape paintings, reducing them to minimalist forms that capture the essence of mountains without explicit representation.

The relationship between presence and absence is also often explored. By burning, layering, and cutting paper, Kim creates spaces of void that are as significant as the material elements. These voids invite contemplation and symbolize the impermanence of all things, echoing Buddhist and Taoist philosophies.

Her cultural heritage is another profound source of inspiration. While her techniques may appear modern, they are deeply rooted in the Korean artistic tradition, particularly in the meditative discipline of calligraphy. This blend of old and new allows her to speak to universal themes while preserving her cultural identity.

Minjung Kim’s art is a profound example of cross-cultural dialogue, harmonizing the contemplative essence of Eastern traditions with the innovative spirit of Western abstraction. Her ability to transcend cultural and artistic boundaries has made her a prominent figure in the global art community, and she has exhibited at London’s British Museum, the Langen Foundation in Germany, and the Hermès Foundation in Seoul, as well as at the Gwangju Biennale, where she represented the contemporary art scene of her native South Korea.

Through her meticulous techniques and philosophical approach, Kim invites viewers to pause, reflect, and connect with the deeper rhythms of life. In a world that often prioritizes speed and materiality, Kim’s art offers a space for stillness and introspection. Her works are not merely visual experiences but meditative journeys, encouraging audiences to embrace the beauty of impermanence and the interconnectedness of all things. As her career continues to evolve, and with her works part of prestigious permanent collections, including at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Kim’s legacy as an artist who bridges traditions and modernity remains firmly established.

By H.R.H. Prince Michel of Yugoslavia

Senior Contributor