
Ha Chong-Hyun (b. 1935), a leading member of the Dansaekhwa group, began his Conjunction series in 1970s post-war Korea and has dedicated his practice to this series ever since. Conjunction refers to the physical connection between the two most important elements of his practice, his methods and his materials, and how the two are intertwined, or ‘conjoined.’ The burlap he began to substitute in place of the more traditional canvas after the Korean War allows him to approach each painting from the reverse, pushing thick paint through the loose weave. The oil paint then emerges from the front, creating a texture that has become entirely unique to Ha’s practice. Though he has maintained these practical methods for decades, Ha continues to experiment in his works, incorporating new colors and abstract patterns.
Ha Chong-Hyun in his studio, 1994. Courtesy of the artist.
Ha Chong-Hyun has lived and worked in Seoul since graduating from Hongik University, in 1959. Awarded an honorary doctorate degree, he served as the Dean of the Fine Arts College from 1990 to 1994. From 2001 to 2006, Ha was the Director of the Seoul Museum of Art. Ha's undeniable importance as a central figure for Modern Korean Art has place him in the permanent collections of Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, Centre Pompidou, Paris, Art Institute of Chicago, M+ in Hong Kong, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art in Hiroshima, Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art in Seoul, and National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Korea.
Ha Chong-Hyun (b. 1935)
Conjunction 85-31, 1985
Oil on hemp canvas
Dimensions:
63 x 47 3/8 inches
160 x 120.3 cm
100 HO
Signed, titled, and dated on face
Inv# 7919
Ha Chong-Hyun (b. 1935)
Conjunction 79-79, 1979
Oil on hemp canvas
31 1/2 x 62 3/5 inches
80 x 159 cm
InquireHa Chong-Hyun (b. 1935)
Conjunction 79-79, 1979
Oil on hemp canvas
31 1/2 x 62 3/5 inches
80 x 159 cm
InquireHa Chong-Hyun (b. 1935)
Conjunction 79-79, 1979
Oil on hemp canvas
31 1/2 x 62 3/5 inches
80 x 159 cm
InquireHa Chong-Hyun (b. 1935)
Conjunction 79-79, 1979
Oil on hemp canvas
31 1/2 x 62 3/5 inches
80 x 159 cm
Tina Kim sits down with Ha Chong-Hyun (b. 1935), a central figure of the Dansaekhwa (Korean monochrome) movement, to revisit his early memories from art school, discusses his most recent art practice, and the future of Korean art. Video by Hyunjung Rhee
Kukje Art and Culture Foundation to present solo exhibition of work by Ha Chong-Hyun at Palazzetto Tito with the support of La Fondazione Bevilacqua La Masa, Kukje Gallery and Tina Kim Gallery.
Collateral event of La Biennale di Venezia
April 23—August 24, 2022
By Marina Zorz
Postcards From the Biennale
His paintings travel, but Ha Chong-hyun stays in Korea; Anselm Kiefer melds art and sculpture at the Doges Palace.
Collateral Event of the 59th Venice Biennale
April 23–August 24, 2022
"The bold and colorful fresh work of Ha’s will make this a must-see exhibition this summer."
"Dansaekhwa" artist Ha Chong-hyun, 86, is exhibiting his latest works showcasing his "relationship with color" at Tina Kim Gallery in New York through June 30.
By Kwon Mee-yoo
By Kwon Mee-yoo
By Robert C. Morgan
By Drew Clayton
By Jennifer Baum Lagdameo
By Yoon Jin Sup, Joan Kee, Sam Bardaouil, and Till Rellrath