The Colours and Soul of Korea: Dancheong

Hae-Young Cho, 단청입은 고양이, ∅400mm, Natural mineral pigments on MDF, canvas, 2024

The Colours and Soul of Korea: Dancheong Exhibition

Co-Hosted by OIS ART OF CANADA & MOOWOOSOO Gallery
June 2 – 15, 2025
Opening Reception: June 6, 5 – 8pm
918 Bathurst Gallery, Toronto

To commemorate the closing year of the Canada-Korea Year of Cultural Exchange (2024–2025), a landmark exhibition titled The Colours and Soul of Korea: Dancheong will be held, showcasing the depth and beauty of traditional Korean art. This exhibition is co-hosted by OIS ART OF CANADA (Director: Jenny Lee) and MOOWOOSOO Gallery of Korea (Director: Youn Suk Lee), symbolizing a meaningful project of artistic collaboration and cultural understanding between the two nations.

“Dancheong” is a traditional Korean decorative painting technique used on wooden architecture, deriving its name from the characters 丹 (Dan: red) and 靑 (Cheong: blue/green). Far beyond mere ornamentation, Dancheong carries layered meanings, including spiritual symbolism, architectural protection, and expressions of authority and aesthetics. Historically seen in temples, palaces, and Confucian academies, Dancheong has evolved in modern times to influence heritage restoration, contemporary fine arts, and cultural design industries.

Hae-Young Cho, Half-color XIII, 35.4″ x 35.4″, Natural mineral pigments on wood panel, 2020

Featuring works by 11 traditional Dancheong artisans and contemporary artists, this exhibition offers a broad aesthetic spectrum that bridges ancient techniques with modern interpretations. Visitors can expect the following:

Contemporary artworks inspired by Dancheong motifs
Collaborative pieces blending traditional Dancheong and modern abstract art
Exhibits of original tools, natural pigments, and painting materials used in Dancheong art
Video presentations of the Dancheong

A special Opening Reception will be held on Friday, June 6, 5 – 8pm, with a lecture by a Dancheong expert and a traditional Korean music performance, enriching the public’s experience of Korean heritage through both visual and auditory encounters.

Following its Toronto presentation, The Colours and Soul of Korea: Dancheong will travel to Paris, France in August 2025, continuing its global journey to foster deeper cultural understanding and appreciation.

Hwalam Moon, Black Tortoise, 40″×32″×1″, Natural mineral pigments on reconstructed granite panel, 2023

Participating Artists

About OIS ART OF CANADA

OIS ART OF CANADA is a non-profit organization established in 2018 with the purpose of fostering exchanges and understanding of creative culture and arts between Korea and Canada. It seeks to promote active exchanges between artists from both countries through exhibitions and a wide range of artistic activities.

In addition, we promote cultural and artistic trends in both South Korea and Canada through various arts and culture events, including collaborative exhibitions, performances, and traditional arts workshops. Through these initiatives, we aim to build an international network of artists, arts organizations, and art lovers.

OIS ART OF CANADA offers a variety of cultural and artistic programs aimed at providing opportunities for diverse communities in Canada to understand and share the cultural and artistic heritage of each community. The organization was established with the purpose of promoting ties and fostering the development of cultural and artistic exchanges between Canada and Korea.

OIS ART OF CANADA
art.oiswith.com
oisartcanada@gmail.com

918 Bathurst
918 Bathurst Street
Toronto, ON M5R 3G5

Gallery Hours: Monday – Sunday, 12 – 5pm

Accessibility: 918 Bathurst is not accessible. For more information, visit 918bathurst.com.

Co-Host & Sponsor Acknowledgement