Kim Hye-kyung attended a Hanji exhibition in San Francisco on July 24, stating, "I hope Hanji becomes a beautiful cultural heritage that connects more people's hearts across time and borders."
Accompanying President Lee Jae-myung on his visit to the United States, Kim participated in the 'Connecting Time and Future with Hanji' exhibition at The Pearl, a cultural space in San Francisco. The event showcased the history, cultural value, and potential for modern artistic expression of traditional Korean Hanji paper.
In her opening remarks, Kim expressed her delight in discussing Hanji, a precious cultural heritage of Korea, in San Francisco, a city known for innovation, creativity, and cultural diversity.
She emphasized that "a single sheet of Hanji contains the breath of nature, the long touch of artisans, and the records of life," adding that Hanji, which has embraced our history for centuries, demonstrates infinite possibilities as it expands into new fields such as art, craft, design, and fashion.
Kim also expressed her hopes for Hanji's inclusion in UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in December, wishing it to shine as a valuable asset for humanity.
"I believe culture is the warmest language that connects people and hearts," she said, reiterating her desire for Hanji to be cherished as a beautiful cultural heritage that transcends time and borders.
The exhibition featured the phrase 'Hanji, Paper of Time, Memory and Future' displayed in both English and Korean on a large screen at the venue.
In the center of the exhibition space, various works and crafts were displayed, including a jar-shaped Hanji stand, Hanji books, fans, materials related to the independence movement printed on Hanji, Hanji objects, and tissue boxes.
Dressed in a light jade dress and matching coat, Kim entered the venue holding a Hanji fan. After greeting guests seated in the front row with handshakes, she bowed to acknowledge her introduction as a key attendee.
After watching a promotional video about Hanji, Kim received an explanation of the exhibited works from art director Kim Joo-il. As exhibition assistants showcased the pieces to attendees, she observed them closely, and when the Hanji fans placed at attendees' seats were introduced, she fanned herself while chatting with guests nearby.
During a subsequent 'Conversation with the Artist' segment, American handmade paper researcher Donald Farnsworth shared the connection between American handmade paper and Hanji. Kim welcomed Farnsworth with a nod and applause as he approached the podium. When artist Nam Jong-hyun explained his artistic world, she looked up to admire the work displayed in the center of the exhibition space.
Kim also attended a fashion show featuring garments made from Hanji. As foreign models showcased Hanji clothing, she closely examined the materials and designs. After the show, she was the last to applaud, encouraging the models and artists.
At the end of the event, Kim moved to the front of the exhibition space holding a Hanji fan to take commemorative photos with attendees. Instead of the usual photo call of 'Kimchi,' participants shouted 'Hanji.' Following this, Kim took individual photos with attendees upon request and also posed with models wearing Hanji clothing.
Notably, the event was attended by over 70 individuals, including Anita Engles, director of the American Bookbinders Museum; Seila Shin, chief operating officer of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art; artist Nam Jong-hyun; art director Kim Joo-il; Donald Farnsworth, handmade paper researcher; Matthew Kudo, San Francisco Arts and Culture director; Monica Buzi, president of LSFCC; Shelly Yu, chair of the Asian Art Museum; and local paper artists and Hanji artists from the diaspora.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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