Art Sonje Center presents a groundbreaking exhibition exploring the early career of Ha Chong-Hyun, one of Korea's most influential contemporary artists. "Ha Chong-Hyun 5975" unveils approximately 40 works created between 1959 and 1975, offering a rare glimpse into the artist's formative years before his iconic Conjunction series.
Opening February 14, 2025, this comprehensive survey traces Ha's artistic journey through South Korea's period of dramatic social transformation. The exhibition, curated by Artistic Director Sunjung Kim, illuminates how Ha's innovative use of materials and techniques evolved alongside the nation's rapid industrialization and urbanization.
Four Critical Periods of Artistic Development
The exhibition is chronologically organized into four distinct sections, each marking a significant phase in Ha's early career:
"Informel (1959-1965)" showcases works reflecting post-war chaos through thick paints and scorched surfaces, demonstrating Ha's interpretation of European Informel movement within the Korean context.
"Urbanization and Geometric Abstraction (1967-1970)" features the notable "White Paper on Urban Planning" series, where Ha employed structured forms and bold colors to capture Korea's rapid modernization.
"The Korean Avant Garde Association Period (1969-1975)" highlights Ha's experimental works using everyday materials. A highlight is the recreation of his 1970 mirror-based installation "Work," being shown for the first time since its debut.
"Conjunction—The Back-Pressure Method (1974-1975)" introduces the beginning of Ha's signature series, featuring his innovative technique of pushing paint through burlap canvas from behind.
Ha Chong-Hyun, Self portrait, 1959, oil on canvas, 63 x 40 cm. Courtesy of the artist; Ha Chong-Hyun
Conjunction 74-98, 1974, oil on hemp cloth, 225 x 97 cm. Courtesy of National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea.
Special Exhibition Features
The exhibition includes a significant recreation of Ha's 1970 avant-garde installation incorporating mirrors and X-ray films, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience this historical piece. Additionally, a comprehensive catalog featuring scholarly essays will be published in March 2025.
A special lecture by Kyung An, Associate Curator of Asian Art at the Guggenheim Museum, is scheduled for March 22, 2025, providing deeper insights into Ha's artistic practice.
Ha Chong-Hyun 5975
Dates: February 14 – April 20, 2025
Venue: Art Sonje Center (Space 1 & 2)
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 12:00-19:00 (Closed Mondays)
Admission: 10,000 KRW (Regular), concessions available
Guided Tours: Daily at 14:00 and 16:00 (40 minutes)
Advance bookings for guided tours available at www.artsonje.org/en/visit-en/visitticketing/
For more information, visit https://artsonje.org/
