Goguryeo Renderings: Contemporary Fabric Re-Visions of Traditional Korean Tomb Wall

The Philosophy Student Association of Kennesaw State University and the Atlanta Center for Asian Studies, an affiliate of the Asian Studies Development Program of the East-West Center, are honored to present:

Goguryeo Renderings:

Contemporary Fabric Re-Visions of Traditional Korean Tomb Wall Paintings

By

Haeseon Hahn

January 11-15, 2010

Social Science Atrium

Kennesaw State University

Quilt making is one of the most prevalent and continuous domestic folk art forms. Continuing to this day and traditionally practiced by Anglo and African-American women in rural areas of the U.S., the art is also practiced by Native American women as well. The art of quilt making provides a medium of cross-cultural understanding and appreciation at the most fundamental grass roots level of our experience as human beings. Quilt making is a shared art form that transforms cultural difference. As such, quilt art provides a mechanism for the promotion of ethnic harmony and mutual understanding. Haeseon Hahn’s quilts offer an opportunity that not only shares with American quilt artists, but provides openings for greater understanding and acceptance of cultural and ethnic difference. Her art provides a venue for transcending ethnic and cultural difference as well as offering expertise to American quilt artists through her own work. From this interfacing as observed in her art, the art of quilts is enhanced and transforms itself to a new artistic level. Haeseon Hahn is an extraordinarily talented artist. The U.S. has a long standing tradition in quilt-making and Haeseon Hahn is simply one of the best quilt artists living. She is a living treasure of the art in her Korean heritage context.

About the artist:

Haeseon Hahn is Associate Principal of the Sejong Korean American School of Georgia, which is part of the Korean American Education Foundation of Georgia. The Sejong School provides a vital service to the Atlanta region’s vibrant and growing Korean population. As a heritage school, Sejong is committed and devoted to preserving Korean culture and language for young Korean Americans. Under the direction of Mr. Joon Heo, Chairman of the Korean American Education Foundation of Georgia and founder of the Sejong Korean American School, Ms. Hahn is the point person who facilitates the exceptional work performed there. Haeseon Hahn holds a Master of Design degree from Sangmyung University in Fabric Art with a focus on quilt study based on Korean ancient tomb wall painting. She also holds the Bachelor of Design in dress design from Duksung Women’s University. A consistent winner of the Korean Fine Art Association in 2000, 2001, and 2002 and The Art of the World Contest (2000) as well as a prize winner in the Georgia Quilt Show Contest in 2008, she has had many exhibitions of her quilts in Seoul and in the U.S.