By Honorary Reporter Robbie Lewis Martin from U.K.
Photos = Robbie Lewis Martin

I recently attended the exhibition "Hanji: Paper Compositions" at the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in London, an event running from June 10 to Aug. 13. The free event is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Hanji is traditional handmade Korean paper made with fibers from the inner bark of Korea's indigenous mulberry tree. The exhibition features a range of art and artifacts made with a variety of Hanji craft techniques and works by over 20 internationally recognized and emerging artists. 

The aim of the exhibition is to showcase Hanji art to a global audience and promote awareness of this lesser-known craft, as well as show the intricacies of making paper-based works. The works exhibited are paintings, drawings, sculptures and multimedia installations. 

This is the main poster of the exhibition "Hanji: Paper Composition."

The exhibition offers an opportunity to learn about Hanji techniques such as jeonji, jiseung, jiho and jumchi. In addition, a video explains the Hanji-making process and displays cabinets showing the tools and materials needed to raise understanding of how Hanji crafts are made.

Jeonji involves layering Hanji over a base frame, after which the object is decorated with paper cuttings. This technique is often used to create clothing and decorative and practical household items.

 These works were made using the jeonji technique.

Jiseung, on the other hand, is a paper-weaving technique often used to make household goods. It frequently uses paper recycled from old books and a wide range of geometric patterns can be achieved by employing an array of weaving methods.

   These works were made using the jiseung technique.

Jiho also uses recycled paper, utilizing scraps of Hanji to create rounded vessels.

This is a selection of works made through the jiho technique.

And lastly, jumchi uses Hanji layered on top of each other and using water as an adhesive. This results in a thick and uneven textured material that is lightweight yet strong. Thus this was often used to make armor and winter clothes.

Multimedia installations and a selection of contemporary art are also at the exhibition. My favorite piece is the "Moon Jar X Chochungdo," which projects digital illustrations of flowers and insects onto moon jars made of Hanji. This piece reinterprets an eight-panel folding screen by Joseon Dynasty artist Shin Saim-dang. 

I love this collaborative piece by three artists that combines traditional and art to create one beautiful piece, which allows appreciation of the elements both individually and collectively. 

  These multimedia and contemporary art pieces were made through Hanji craft techniques.

I found the exhibition is interesting and highly informative. I learned many new things about Hanji including its history, craft techniques and versatility as a material with a wide range of applications. I was especially surprised to learn about its use outside of Korea in heritage conservation and restoration as a corrective material.

In Korea, Wonju Hanji Theme Park in Wonju, Gangwon-do Province, collaborated with the KCC in London to organize this exhibition. They offer hands-on activities, educational materials and exhibitions related to Hanji. 

The exhibition will also be held at the KCC in Italy soon. 

Those not in the U.K. can see the exhibition in 3D through this link: embed.artland.com/shows/hanji-paper-compositions

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.