By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee 

Korean traditional paintings, known as folk paintings, are gaining attention in the global art market as a new genre called “K-folk paintings” with a modern twist. 

Combining traditional paintings with lacquer, a unique Korean craft technique, K-Folk Painting is a work of art that harmoniously fuses traditional Korean art with modern aesthetics and is recognized worldwide for its uniqueness. 

Damwha Lee Jon-young, the artist at the forefront of this pioneering endeavor, is developing a new technique that utilizes lacquer to create a contemporary interpretation of the traditional beauty of folk paintings.

The allure of lacquer is a millennia-old luxury item.

Lacquer is a traditional finishing material that has been used in Korea since ancient times and is considered a “luxury item” due to its durability and unique luster. Unlike paints, lacquer retains its color and luster for hundreds of years. In this sense, lacquer is not just a material, but an important artistic tool that lends permanence to works.

In particular, Artist Damwha used lacquer as an expressive tool beyond protection, enriching the lines and colors of folk paintings. The lacquer adds three-dimensionality to the flat folk paintings and gives them depth of color, making them more complete.

“By preserving the traditional elements of folk paintings while adding a modern touch through lacquer, K-Folk Paintings are becoming original works that are comparable to any artwork in the world,” said Artist Damhwa.

Lacquer, a craft with a thousand-year history

Lacquer has a long history of use in Korean woodworking and mother-of-pearl crafts, and is resistant to moisture and heat, making it virtually impervious to discoloration and damage. 

It adds depth and luxury to a work of art, and its beauty only increases with age. Modern artists are incorporating these qualities of lacquer into contemporary arts and crafts to create new aesthetic values.

Contemporary artists, including Damhwa, are combining lacquerware and folk paintings to create a new form of art called K-folk painting. Thanks to the unique texture and durability of lacquer, K-folk paintings are gaining attention in the global art world and are raising the profile of traditional Korean crafts internationally.

K-Folk Painting, a leap into the global art market

As an art form that fuses tradition and modernity, K-folk paintings are becoming a new cultural content that is bringing Korean traditional art to the world. 

Especially in the European and North American art markets, works that combine folk paintings and lacquer are recognized as both artistic and popular thanks to their original materials and techniques. Through these works, Damhwa's artwork highlights the traditional and contemporary aesthetic values of Korea.

Cooperation to promote international culture and art

The World Culture Promotion Association and the K-Culture Promotion Association are actively supporting the globalization of K-folk paintings. Through international cultural exchanges, these two organizations are promoting Korean traditional arts such as K-folk paintings around the world, and are leading various exhibitions and promotional activities to ensure that K-folk paintings are recognized on the international stage.

More than just a revival of traditional art, K-Folk Painting has become an important pillar of contemporary art and is leading the global rise of Korean art. 

The success of K-Folk Painting is expected to play an important role in further consolidating the international status of traditional Korean art. Through K-Folk Painting, the tradition and beauty of Korea will be more widely known and recognized.