Hanji: Embracing Color featuring works by artist Lee Seung-chul

Hanji: Embracing Color presents the sculptural, tactile possibilities of hanji, traditional Korean paper, through the work of artist Lee Seung-chul. The exhibition brings together paper sculptures, natural-dye works, textiles, gold leaf, lacquer, and historical hanji materials, exploring how a longstanding Korean cultural medium can be transformed into contemporary art.

Lee’s works reinterpret familiar Korean forms, including Buddhist figures, moon jars, and fragments inspired by traditional chest furniture. His multicolored pieces draw on plant- and mineral-based pigments while preserving the texture and physical character of the paper. The exhibition also includes bojagi wrapping-cloth works and historical hanji books and official documents, some dating to Korea’s Joseon Dynasty. Together, the contemporary artworks and collected relics examine hanji’s roles in architecture, handicrafts, painting, preservation, communication, and everyday life.

When: August 20–November 20, 2026

Venue: Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C., 2370 Massachusetts Ave. NW

Featured artist: Lee Seung-chul

Reception: A public pre-opening reception will take place Wednesday, August 19, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Registration is required.

Reception program: The opening includes brief remarks by Lee Seung-chul followed by a self-guided tour of the exhibition.

Tickets: Price not available

Works and materials: Hanji sculpture, natural dyes, textiles, bojagi, gold leaf, lacquer, historical hanji books and official papers, and collected hanji relics

Artistic focus: The exhibition considers Korea’s traditional natural color palette, the durability and expressive texture of hanji, and the ways cultural forms can be renewed rather than simply reproduced.

Artist background: Lee Seung-chul has spent more than 40 years researching hanji, natural dyeing, color reconstruction, and the conservation of cultural materials. His practice investigates how paper and natural pigments change over time, connecting ideas of preservation, loss, memory, and continuity.

International work: Lee has presented research and programs on hanji and its future at institutions and forums including the Cité internationale des arts in Paris, the Louvre Museum, ICPAL in Rome, the Vatican Museums, and Fabriano in Italy.

Note: The exhibition is open August 20 through November 20; the August 19 event is a separate pre-opening reception requiring registration.