Painter Ha Jung-woo Captures Morocco on Canvas

From the 17th, Solo Exhibition 'HIT THE ROAD' at Pyo Gallery

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] It has already been 18 years since Ha Jung-woo began his calming brushstrokes. With consistent solo exhibitions held once or twice a year, he now attracts collectors who seek out his works even before the exhibitions open. Ha Jung-woo, an actor turned painter, has grown into an artist recognized by the art world through his prolific creative activities, rivaling his acting career.

Pyo Gallery announced on the 15th that it will hold Ha Jung-woo's solo exhibition "HIT THE ROAD" from the 17th until December 19th.

The global spread of the COVID-19 virus brought a stagnation to all areas of life. Among the most noticeable changes was the "disconnection from the world." To prevent further spread, countries firmly closed their air routes, and we were unable to travel to see and experience the vast world or meet diverse people from around the globe. However, as COVID-19 gradually eases, artist Ha Jung-woo tells us that it is time to travel again.

"HIT THE ROAD" presents new works inspired by what Ha Jung-woo saw and felt during his trip to Morocco this year for a film shoot. Visitors can vividly experience the exotic landscapes and atmosphere of Morocco, including Marrakech and Casablanca.

The most striking feature of this exhibition is the numerous ceramics and patterns filling the canvas surfaces. Traditional crafts are one of Morocco's deeply rooted heritages, and wherever you go in Morocco, you can see colorful ceramics and carpets. Inspired by the vibrant colors of ceramics and the complex, geometric Arabesque patterns, Ha Jung-woo painted rich patterns throughout the canvases.

Ha Jung-woo, Royal Palm, Mixed media on Canvas, 160 x 123 cm. Photo by Pyo Gallery

Having always painted things that catch the eye in everyday life, Ha Jung-woo continued this flow of inspiration even after returning to Korea following his Morocco schedule. Some of the exhibition pieces reinterpret his Moroccan experiences with his unique wit and modern sensibility.

The exhibition theme "HIT THE ROAD" is a somewhat unfamiliar phrase that, when translated literally, sounds awkward but is a commonly used English idiom meaning "to set off on a journey" or "to hit the road." Ha Jung-woo conveys a message to everyone who has been stagnant due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic to embark on a new journey, while offering viewers a sense of liberation and small comfort through this exhibition. "HIT THE ROAD" can be viewed by making a reservation in advance through the Naver reservation platform.

Ha Jung-woo began painting intermittently alongside his acting work in 2004 and held his first solo exhibition in 2010, officially launching his career as a painter. He has held solo exhibitions annually at Seoul's Pyo Gallery, Horim Art Center, Cartier, Insa Art Center, Signature Kitchen Suite, as well as in New York and LA in the United States.