The 13th KCSB Exhibition:
BEYOND MINHWA
Yoonsun Choi | Sunhee Hur | Yoonkyung An
Minhwa is traditional Korean folk art from the Joseon Dynasty (13-19th Century) to express everyday lives. Three Minhwa artists in Boston recreate and re-interprete Minhwa in the contemporary context.
November 7-22, 2026
LexArt's Nye Gallery
130 Waltham St, Lexington, MA
Opening Reception: Sunday, November 8, 2-4 pm
Yoonsun Choi
Yoon Sun Choi is a Korean artist specializing in Minhwa (민화), and uses natural mineral pigments on hanji (Korean mulberry paper). She blends traditional techniques with a contemporary style.
She values the traditions and philosophy behind Minhwa. Her paintings feature symbolic motifs, such as peonies representing prosperity and butterflies symbolizing joy, uncertainty, and transformation. Through her art, she hopes to preserve the beauty of traditional Minhwa and share its cultural heritage with a wider audience, conveying joy, and a sense of connection.
Sunhee Hur
Minhwa artist Sunhee Hur also has a great passion for ceramics as well.
Her Minhwa works are after Chaek-geo-ri (책거리) style, which is a genre of Korean still-life painting from the Joseon dynasty that translates to "books and things" It utilizes illusionistic Western-style linear perspective and shading,
Yoonkyoung An
Yoonkyoung Ahn's Minhwa (민화) is rooted in traditional Korean folk painting, and yet Iblends the traditional imagery with elements of contemporary life. She is particularly drawn to the symbolism, humor, and storytelling found in Minhwa. By introducing familiar objects, personal memories, and unexpected details into traditional compositions, she explores how old stories can take on new meanings.
Through playful connections between Korean and American cultures, she create sa space where tradition and modern life meet, often in unexpected ways. She hopes to show that Minhwa is not simply an art form of the past, but a living tradition that continues to evolve, tell stories, and connect people across cultures and generations.