[비즈한국] An invitational exhibition by artist Jung Hoe-yun, who interprets traditional Korean Ottchil (lacquerware) through modern painting, is set to open. From the 7th to the 16th, approximately 30 works will be showcased under the title "Riverside of Memories, Echoes of Emotion" at the Jang Eun-sun Gallery in Unni-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
Artist Jung Hoe-yun has built her own unique artistic world through Ottchil painting. She is also known as the "Willow Artist" for her depictions of willow branches swaying as if dancing in the wind using mother-of-pearl. By engraving willow branches onto birch wood panels treated with traditional lacquer and inlaying them with mother-of-pearl, she creates the effect of branches rippling in the wind.
Focusing on the primal connection between humanity and nature, the artist uses archetypal symbols of nature such as deserts, salt lakes, and willow trees as her primary motifs. To her, the process of Ottchil is "an experience of unity between the object and the self, and a journey embodying reverence for nature."
In this exhibition, she presents the 'Hangang Bridge' series, incorporating her signature willow trees into the natural scenery of the Han River. The artist states, "The Hangang Bridge is a symbol that connects the past and the future, containing the process of seeking purpose amidst an incomplete life."
The primary technique utilized is the traditional method known as Moktae-chilgi. Moktae-chilgi is a method that has been used since the Goryeo Dynasty to create precious crafts such as Buddhist ritual items. It involves applying hemp cloth mixed with glue and lacquer to a wooden base to prevent warping, then building up multiple layers of a mixture of lacquer and clay powder to create a sturdy surface. Mother-of-pearl is then inlaid, followed by layers of colored lacquer, which are polished down with sandpaper to reveal the colors. The accidental stains and irregular traces that emerge during this process leave natural marks, much like scars or tree rings, turning the sanding process itself into a painterly act.
The artist explained, "I left spontaneous and natural marks on the surface, as if scraping clay with a spatula, to capture the depth of energy. This process, where smoothness and roughness, refinement and contingency coexist, embodies vibrancy within stillness and is an attempt to explore new possibilities for Ottchil."
In the rapidly changing AI era, the time and touch imbued within the layered lacquer feel all the more precious. Artist Jung Hoe-yun remarked, "Just as the lacquerware I encountered in a museum long ago conveyed the breath of an artisan from a thousand years ago, I hope my work can also reach someone as a source of warmth."
The exhibition runs until Friday the 16th and is free to the public, open daily from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Closed on Sundays and public holidays).
Biography
△ Master's degree in Arts and Cultural Management, Hongik University
△ 16 Solo Exhibitions
2025 Jang Eun-sun Gallery, 2024 Kangbuk Samsung Hospital Gallery, 2023 Lotte Tower BGN Eye Clinic Gallery, etc.
△ Over 90 Art Fairs and Group Exhibitions
2025 WORLD ART EXPO, 2024 SEOUL ART SHOW, 2024 Cheongju International Art Fair, 2024 Supreme Prosecutors' Office Gallery, etc.
△ Awards and Selections
2020 5th Seocho-gu Seoripul Art for Art Grand Exhibition, Grand Prize / 2017 16th Wonju Korea Ottchil Craft Competition, Selection
2022 17th Gwanghwamun International Art Festival (GIAF), Selected as Asian Contemporary Young Artist / 2019 10th Tom N Toms Corporate Selection / 2019, 2018 ASYAAF & Hidden Artist Selection
△ Book
2016 Picture book ‘Salt Lake’ (Kinderland Bandal)
△ Collections
POSCO E&C, Ilyo Shinmun, Suncheon Picture Book Library, Bogaksa Temple, etc.