Korean Ink Brush Workshop: Sagunja (사군자)- The Four Seasons with YoungHwa Choi

In this workshop, YoungHwa Choi will teach us about traditional Korean ink wash painting (수묵화 Sumukhwa) and will explore the symbolism of "The Four Gentlemen (사군자 Sagunja)." These images of various plants (plum blossoms, orchids, chrysanthemums, and bamboo) represent the four seasons and Confucian values.

Examples of bamboo and chrysanthemum

The Four Gentlemen:

Orchids (난초): Stands for spring and often represents nobility and humility

Bamboo (대나무): Stands for summer and often represents tolerance and integrity

Chrysanthemums (국화): Stands for fall and often represents the virtue to withstand adversity

Plum Blossoms (매화): Stands for winter and often represents inner beauty

Participants will take home their own set of four ink wash pieces representing the Four Gentlemen.

About the Artist:

YoungHwa's artwork will be on display at the Seattle Art Fair (July 23-26, 2026) and at Gallery B612: Pioneer Square during the workshop.

YoungHwa Choi is a contemporary artist based in Napa Valley, CA known for her innovative fusion of materials and stunningly intricate sculpture-paintings which create a dialogue between traditional Korean painting techniques and modern materials. Her current body of work evolved during the coronavirus pandemic, where isolation and reliance on delivery services led her to repurpose cardboard boxes as a new artistic medium.

Choi’s ink-and-wash paintings, originally depicting the American landscape on canvas, transformed with the addition of these boxes, creating three-dimensional shapes and unique textures that echo traditional Korean painting techniques. For Choi, these cardboard boxes symbolize a historical and artistic connection, reflecting the era in which we live.

Details:

All materials will be provided

All experience levels are welcome

Price: $60 per person

Ample access via mass transit routes, street parking, and additional parking details here