Hyejung Kim

Hyejung Kim (B. 1992) – Bachelor in Fine Arts from Dankook University South Korea, 2016

Humility lies at the center of my practice. I am a painter who primarily works with Hanji, traditional Korean paper, which has taught me patience and respect for material. As a child, I studied East Asian traditional painting techniques and later majored in Fine Art, exploring color and bold expression through oil painting on canvas.

Before working with Hanji, I believed I could fully control my work: drawing a line made the line appear, applying red paint made the surface red, and unwanted elements could always be covered. Hanji changed this approach. It cannot be fully covered.

Through repeatedly applying thin layers of paint, the texture of the paper gradually emerges. Though subtle, the dense presence of Hanji’s texture across the surface plays a significant role in shaping the distinct atmosphere of each painting. Through this process, I came to recognize that I am not fully in control and began to accept Hanji not merely as a material, but as a partner in my practice.

Since then, painting has become a process of collaboration with Hanji. I believe that by painting the landscapes I have dwelled in, I can discover myself within them. My works employ restrained gestures and open space, allowing viewers to encounter both my intentions and the physical presence of the paper itself.

Each work involves not only painting, but also the construction of wooden panels and the careful mounting of Hanji, requiring attention, patience, and responsibility. Currently, I focus on creating delicate and minimal compositions that explore the interaction between space, texture, and subtle gestures.

I aim to further develop my practice on a larger scale. For me, working at a larger scale is not simply about size, but about embracing a deeper level of commitment and responsibility. Larger formats demand a different rhythm, greater patience, and heightened awareness of how space, material, and gesture interact.

This year, I am preparing three solo exhibitions, one in Copenhagen and two in Seoul. Working between these two contexts, I seek to deepen my understanding of Hanji through practice while creating opportunities to introduce the material to Danish audiences. Through this process, I aim to expand the possibilities of Hanji painting and
continue developing a quiet, attentive practice that fosters emotional connection.