Art crawl at Jongro Pt.2 Art SJ Centre; Ha Chong-Hyun 5975

My art exploration continued and brought me to Art SJ Center, next to MMCA, where I visited an exhibition by Ha Chong Hyun. If you follow Korean contemporary art, you’ll know Ha Chong Hyun as one of the giants of the Dansaekhwa (Korean monochrome painting) movement. He's famous for his distinctively textured paintings, especially his unique technique of pushing thick layers of paint through coarse burlap. However, what stood out most about this particular exhibition was that it featured works that aren't typically highlighted, offering a rare opportunity to see how Ha’s iconic style developed.

Behind the Scenes of Artistic Growth

Walking through the exhibition, I felt like I was getting a special behind-the-scenes look at Ha's creative process. The pieces on display traced his artistic evolution, revealing stages of experimentation and subtle shifts before he fully settled into his now-celebrated method. It was like watching an artist find his voice, each piece acting as a stepping stone towards the bold confidence we associate with him today. The experience felt personal—like uncovering secret sketches from an artist's private notebook.

A Missed Opportunity: Space Constraints

Despite the joy of discovering these lesser-known gems, there was one significant downside: the space itself. For an artist of Ha Chong Hyun's stature, Art SJ Center felt noticeably small and cramped. It left me wishing there had been more works on display and more room to fully absorb their impact. A larger exhibition space could have better conveyed the breadth of Ha’s impressive career and allowed the artworks the breathing room they truly deserved.

Final Thoughts: Small Yet Insightful

Yet, even with the limited space, this exhibition successfully showcased the quieter, often overlooked side of Ha Chong Hyun’s artistic journey. It deepened my appreciation of his work by revealing how meticulous experimentation and creative exploration ultimately led to his iconic style. This intimate look reinforced the idea that great art isn’t just about the final masterpiece—it’s equally about the process behind it.

Would I recommend visiting? Absolutely—especially if you're familiar with Ha Chong Hyun and interested in exploring the subtleties behind his artistic evolution. Just keep in mind the scale is modest, but the insights you'll gain are definitely worthwhile.

Stay tuned—more art adventures coming soon!