Chon Byunghyun

While studying in Paris, Chon Byunghyun (b. 1957) deeply considered Korean elements, and since returning to Korea, he has used hanji, Korean traditional paper, as his main material for more than 20 years. Supplied with a traditional mulberry paper by Ryu Unyoung, the hanji artisan and intangible cultural asset, Chon has produced diverse forms of works, including flat paintings and reliefs. His work process involves creating matière by applying red clay and stone powder to a hanji relief made with a plaster cast, and completing it by painting it with traditional pigment. He has often used the theme of “white porcelain,” symbolizing the Koreans’ spirit, to create picture planes that evoke a Korean sentiment. He has also portrayed the common subject matter “flowers” to create a familiar yet fresh atmosphere. Furthermore, this artist has also presented an original work method that deviates from conventional painting concepts by composing images of still life or human figures with pieces of torn hanji. While constantly maintaining the emotional link to Korea seen in his earlier works, in terms of theme, subject matter and material, he now presents newly developed works. Recently he has opened a new, colorful chapter in his work by combining hanji with unusual yet familiar media such as lipstick. The artist asks people all over the world to donate lipstick they no longer use, which he rubs on the paper with his fingers to create images of human figures. Through this action, the artist portrays a cross-section of consumer society, expressing people’s desire to decorate and reveal themselves, and the endless acts of consumption to fulfill such desires. By persistently exploring the traditional medium “hanji,” while also applying to his work new materials in tune with the times, Chon has expanded his world of work and broadened his opportunity to communicate with the public.