Minji Kang-Watrous, Seoul, b. 1984Respecting Tradition / Embracing Modernity Minji Kang-Watrous is a self-taught contemporary Hanji artist, deeply rooted in the traditions of her heritage. Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, she moved to Texas in her early 20s, carrying with her the rich cultural legacy of Hanji—an ancient Korean paper-making tradition passed down for thousands of years. Growing up, Minji was fascinated by the intricate process of creating Hanji. Her mother, Hyeon-Ok Seong, a Hanji artist herself, often involved her in labor- intensive projects, and it was through these early experiences that she unknowingly cultivated a deep passion for the art form. When she moved to the United States, Minji found solace in working with Hanji as a way to cope with the severe homesickness she felt during her internship and marriage.Minji’s work is a blend of tradition and modernity. She handpicks each piece of paper, sourcing it directly from Korea, and feels excitement every time she visits her paper shop. She often collaborates with a third-generation Hanji shop, a place with over 100 years of history, where the tradition is preserved with great care. This connection to the past is vital to her practice, as Minji believes in the importance of remembering and honoring the materials and methods that have shaped where we are today.