By UN Journal Belarus Correspondent Kim Sun-ah

 

Minsk, Belarus -- A masterclass on traditional (K-Minwha) Korean folk painting was held ahead of the opening of the exhibition "K-Folk Painting: The Art of Korea" at the National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus, located in the heart of Minsk, Belarus.

 

This program, a special opportunity to experience traditional Korean painting, Minhwa, firsthand, was well-received by approximately 30 local art enthusiasts and citizens.

 

 

Participants experienced the colors and meaning of K-folk painting through hands-on practice painting traditional Korean fans with various patterns symbolizing good fortune.

 

The class was taught by Professor Lee Mi-hyung of the K-Folk Painting Department at Myongji University, with teaching assistant Arina assisting to enhance the quality of the course.

 

K-Minwha (Folk Painting) is a traditional painting born from the lives of ordinary Koreans, symbolizing customs, auspiciousness, and the harmony of nature.

 

Since ancient times, commoners have hung folk paintings to decorate their homes and pray for good fortune, and each painting carries symbolic meaning.

 

For example, pomegranates were widely used as symbols of fertility and prosperity, while tigers were widely used as symbols of warding off evil spirits and attracting good fortune.

 

 

Unlike ink-and-wash painting, folk painting artists use soft, transparent traditional pigments, layering colors onto Hanji (Korean paper) specifically for painting.

 

The delicate spreading of color, or "barim" (color spreading) technique, is considered the most significant aesthetic characteristic of folk painting.

 

Belarusian officials praised Korea's unique aesthetic, stating, "K-Minwha is an art form that stands out for its vibrant colors, humorous expressions, and the harmony between nature and everyday life."

 

"Minwha is a philosophy of everyday life and an art of emotions," said Director Kuzmina.
Victoria Kuzmina, Director of the National Museum of Art of Belarus, commented, "Minwha is a highly symbolic art form.

 

 

It was born from everyday life and widely loved by the public. Although the artists are not all professionally trained, their works are imbued with incredible symbolism, emotional depth, and multi-layered meaning."

 

She continued, "This time, the delegation from Korea was diverse, and Professor Lee Mi-hyung, a researcher of K-Minwha art, participated directly.

 

The National Museum of Art of Belarus has consistently held workshops and lectures in conjunction with its exhibitions, and this year's event was once again very enthusiastic.

 

It was a valuable opportunity for Belarusian citizens to learn directly from Korean artists.

 

Local participants commented, "It was deeply moving to learn firsthand how profoundly meaningful traditional Korean painting is, even with a single brushstroke," and "It was an art form that healed the soul through color and line."

 

This masterclass was included in the National Museum of Art's official educational schedule, and there is even the possibility of expanding it into a regular cultural program called "Atelier of Minwha."

 

This event is recognized as a meaningful opportunity to expand cultural and artistic exchange between Korea and Belarus, and to directly introduce the philosophy and color beauty of traditional Korean art to the local community.

 

The "color of Korea," born from the brushstrokes of Minwha, has become engraved in the hearts of Belarusians as an art form of peace and inspiration.

 

Event Name: K-Folk Painting One-Day Masterclass
Venue: National Museum of Art, Belarus
Host: Professor Lee Mi-hyung, Department of K-Folk Painting, Myongji University / Assistant: Assistant Professor Arina
Participants: Approximately 30 Belarusian citizens
Organizers: World Peace Art Exhibition Organizing Committee · Damwha Cultural Foundation
Sponsors: Belarusian Ministry of Culture · Belarusian Embassy in Korea · Diplomacy Journal

 

"Peace blooming from the tip of the brush of Minwha, the beauty of Korea colors the hearts of Belarus"

 

The Korean delegation included Lee Jon-young, Chairman of the Diplomacy Journal and Chairman of the World Peace Art Exhibition Organizing Committee; Kim Jong-bak, Vice Chairman of Diplomacy Journal (CEO of Sejoong Travel); Kim Dong-hyun, Director of the General Planning Office at Diplomacy Journal; Choi Dong-ho, Director of the Special Features Department at Diplomacy Journal; Kim Sun-ah, Correspondent for Diplomacy Journal; Professor Lee Mi-hyung, Department of K-Folk Painting, Myongji University; Professor Choi Byung-hwan, Myongji University; and Kang Seok-won, CEO of KS Gallery.