Poetry of Korean Calligraphy: Artist Conversation in Brush and Wood
A digital exhibition of works by Master Calligrapher Tae Sun Hwang
Challenge (도전), 2020. Black Ink.
In November, Muzeo mounted an exhibition of works by Anaheim-based, Korean-born master calligrapher, Tae Sun Hwang. Tae Sun is a practitioner of healing art in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. She finds her rest in brush and ink in her leisure time. The collection spans forty years and a rich survey of styles and techniques, featuring works in both Korean and Chinese characters.
South Gallery
Installation Views
Featured Works
Dancing Cranes (무학), 2020. Black and blue ink.
Be Virtuous (덕불고 필유린), 2020. Wood carving and acrylic.
Patience (인), 2020. Wood carving and acrylic.
Condor (응), 2014. Black ink.
Mok Min Sim Seo (목민심서), 2015. Black Ink.
Turner Construction Gallery
Installation Views
Featured Works
Only You (너), 2018. Wood carving.
Sa Ga Ji (인의신예지), 2020. Wood carving.
If There Were No Burdens On My Back (내 등에 짐이 없었다면)
If There Were No Burdens On My Back (내 등에 짐이 없었다면), 2020. Black ink.
Poem translated by Della Speer (김 민숙)
Had I not had the burden on my back, I would not have known a proper life. For the burden on my back, I had to live carefully and sincerely. Looking back, the burden on my back was a precious gift that led me to walk a straight path.
Had I not had the burden on my back, I would not have known love. The weight on my back taught me to feel other’s pain, to love and to forgive. Now I know the burden on my back was a precious gift that taught me true love.
Had I not had the burden on my back, I may not have grown up. The weight on my back gave me strength to endure the weight of my life. Looking back, the burden on my back was a precious gift that matured me.
Had I not had the burden on my back, I would not have known the humility and pleasure of simplicity. The burden on my back taught me modesty and simple living. Looking back, the burden on my back was a precious gift that taught me joy.
Like a heavy load is needed to wade the torrent of water, like a loaded truck does not spin out on an uphill run, the burden on my back was an anchor that kept me from life’s injustice and easy living. The burden for my country, family, work, neighbors, poverty, sickness, and grief has given me power to go on for the goodness of life.
Virtual Tour of the Galleries
Lessons from a Master
The Four Friends of a Scholar
Munbangsawoo 문방사우
Four Friends of a Scholar
Paper
Brushes
Ink Stick and Ink Stone
Artist's Seal
Dojang 문방사우
Seal
Ink pad
Artist's often have two of more seals, one for personal and one for their studio
Watch Tae Sun apply the seal
Elements of Style
Blue and black ink.
Brown and black ink and milk.
Wood carving.
Hanja (Chinese Characters)
Hangul (Korean Writing)
Chinese Writing or Hanja (書藝)
Chinese was used as the official script in Korean calligraphy until the 19th century
Korean Writing or Hangul (한글)
Hangul was invented in 1447. There are many styles of writing in Hangul. Panbonche is the "old style" and is read top to bottom starting in the top left corner. Minche is read from left to right starting in the top left corner (like English).
Tae Sun Hwang - Curriculum Vitae
Artist Bio
- 1947, Born in Korea
Education and work
- 1973, Graduated Go Ryu University in Seoul, Korea—Majored Dietetics
- 1980, Immigrated to The United States
- 1995, Graduated South Baylor University—Majored Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM), obtained license from California State Board.
- 1999, obtained PhD—thesis in Menopausal Changes
- To Present, practitioner of Oriental and Alternative Medicine in Buena Park, CA
Exhibitions
- 1984-2013, Mook Hyang Calligraphy Society biennial exhibit
- 1989, Korean Calligraphy Association Golden West College, Huntington Beach, CA
- 1994-2010, Korean Calligraphy Association of USA annual exhibit
- 1995, Contemporary Art of Calligraphy, Los Angeles, CA
- 2005, International Exhibition of Art of Seal Carving, Cal State Polytech University, Pomona, CA
- 2008, Gom Dal Rae Wood Carving Association exhibit, Seoul, Korea
- 2010-2012, Korean American Wood Carving Association Exhibit, Los Angeles, CA
- 2011, Brush Stroke 2011 Two Person (w/Young Hun Kim) Art Show, Muckenthaler Cultural Center, Fullerton, CA
- 2013, Mook Hyang Calligraphy Society: An Exhibition of Traditional & Modern Calligraphy, Korean Cultural Center, Los Angeles, CA