The Ha Chong-Hyun Art Center, dedicated to the artistic world of Ha Chong-Hyun, a pioneer of Korean modernism, has opened in Munbal-dong, Paju, Gyeonggi Province.
 
Marking its inauguration, the Art Center pays tribute to the artist who has shaped the trajectory of Korean contemporary art by transforming both art and history into his practice. Across its galleries, it presents works that embody Ha’s artistic philosophy and experimental spirit, which he has pursued since the 1960s.
 
In doing so, the Art Center aims to serve as a dynamic platform where Ha’s works—reflecting the turbulent times in which they were created—resonate with the present, fostering deeper dialogue and active engagement.

The Ha Chong-Hyun Art Center offers a comprehensive overview of the artist’s life and practice, introducing key works that reflect his relentless engagement with the spirit of his times and his rigorous inquiry into the definition and concept of painting. Spanning three floors and a total area of approximately 2,967㎡, the Art Center presents a chronological survey of Ha’s career, showcasing representative works from each period alongside extensive archival materials.

Upon entering the first exhibition hall, visitors are greeted by large-scale works from the ‘Conjunction’ series, dramatically displayed within the soaring, high-ceilinged space. These works, created from the mid-2010s onward, combine both monochromatic and multicolored compositions, filling the expansive hall with weight and presence.
 
The second exhibition hall presents Ha’s paintings from the 1960s and early 1970s, rooted in Art Informel and geometric abstraction, alongside installation works from his period of activity with the AG (Avant-Garde) group.
 
On the same floor, an archive section offers a closer look at the artist’s trajectory through major exhibition catalogues, photographs, and video materials. The third exhibition hall brings together works from different phases of the ‘Conjunction’ series, while the fourth exhibition hall concludes the exhibition with ‘Post-Conjunction,’ where vertical and horizontal compositions intertwine, offering insight into the artist’s continuing spirit of experimentation.

On the day of the opening, the ‘14th Ha Chong-Hyun Art Prize’ ceremony was also held. Established in 2001 by Ha Chong-Hyun—following his retirement from teaching at Hongik University—the prize was created to give back to society and support the next generation of artists.
 
It is awarded not only to contemporary artists but also to critics, curators, and other figures active across diverse fields of the Korean and international art world. Over the years, recipients have included Lee Bae, Kwon Yeohyun, Seo Seong Rok, Nam Tchun Mo, Yoo Geun-Taek, Lee Sea Hyun, Kimsooja, Joan Kee, Alexandra Munroe, among more than 20 awardees.
 
This year’s honorees are Sunjung Kim, Artistic Director of Art Sonje Center, and Ashley Rawlings, an art historian and curator. In particular, Rawlings was recognized for his contribution to interpreting Korean Dansaekhwa and introducing it to the international stage, earning the distinction of the award.

The Ha Chong-Hyun Art Center is set to serve not only as a space for the artist’s archive and exhibitions but also as a hub for lectures, seminars, and research programs, establishing itself as a center for contemporary art discourse. Reflecting the artist’s belief that “art is not solely the creator’s, but is completed through dialogue with the audience,” the Ha Chong-Hyun Art Center is expected to become an important venue that inspires future generations.

References

• 국제갤러리 보도자료 (Kukje Gallery Press Release)