As Korean traditional paper gains global visibility as a versatile creative medium, Beyond Paper aims to demonstrate the extreme possibility of Hanji art. This new exhibition at the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. transcends the common notions of paper as merely utilitarian; instead, it encompasses stunningly vibrant and richly textured visual art, sculpture, textiles, crafted wares and vessels, illuminated light art, and fashion, featuring both historical examples from Korea’s ancient Joseon Dynasty and the work of contemporary artists. Traditional materials and techniques, perfected by Korean artisans over many generations, provide the foundation for such wide-ranging creative expression that is firmly rooted in Korean cultural heritage.

Beyond Paper is organized into three galleries, each telling a chapter in the ongoing story of hanji. The first focuses on functional household items from history, including jogakbo (wrapping cloth), ham (a personal box or container for valuables), and vessels such as yogang (chamber pot), featuring various examples of each by artists Jang Eung-yul, Ahn Chi-yong, Lee Boo-ok, Moon Yeon-hee, and Kim Weon-ja. The second gallery explores hanji’s interaction with light and includes more interpretive works. Not all hanji crafts are translucent, but many do take full advantage of this property to amplify their aesthetic value; these hanging lamps inspired by beoson (socks) as commentary on women’s traditional experiences and role as craft makers and large vessels resembling the iconic Korean moon jar lit with projection-mapped classical art motifs, featuring various examples by artists Kim Jung-soon, Choi Sung-rok, Kim Weon-ja, Moon Yeon-hee, and Moon You-mi. The exhibition’s third gallery leaves behind traditional constraints and explores hanji’s inherent and unconventional artistic potential, including as dyed and sculpted as visual art, layering techniques that interpret hanbok (traditional clothing), woven wearable fabric accessories, and abstract versions of the repeating patterns that adorn gotchangsalmun (wooden doors with carved negative space), featuring examples by artists Jeong Jong-mee, Kim Eun-hee, Moon Yeon-hee, and Moon You-mi.

As traditional paper was eclipsed by more efficient and practical versions in the industrial era and further ceded ground in the digital era, Beyond Paper seeks to rekindle the creative magic and unique personal touch of paper’s natural form.

Beyond Paper will remain on view from October 7 through November 4 at the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. (walk-in hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., excluding 12 – 1 p.m., Monday – Friday).

Beyond Paper is also presented in conjuction with the following event: