This study aims to academically examine the iconographic symbolism and formative characteristics inherent in traditional Hwahwedo (flower paintings), analyze them within the context of contemporary art, and empirically investigate the creative process...
This study aims to academically examine the iconographic symbolism and formative characteristics inherent in traditional Hwahwedo (flower paintings), analyze them within the context of contemporary art, and empirically investigate the creative process of modern reinterpretation by combining them with the researcher's practical experience gained from handling the physical properties of plants as a florist.
The scope of this study was limited to the iconography of the peony, lotus, and pomegranate, which symbolize wealth and honor, purity, and fecundity—the core desires of the common people. First, through a theoretical review, the multi-layered symbolic system formed by the fusion of floral iconography with Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and folk beliefs was analyzed. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the unique formative language of Minhwa (Korean folk painting), such as the use of reverse perspective, multiple viewpoints, and Obangsaek (the traditional Korean color spectrum), were intentional devices used to maximize the essential value of the subject. Furthermore, through an analysis of the works of preceding artists, it was established that traditional floral iconography is evolving into a flexible visual language that communicates with modern people through the diversification of media and the integration of everyday elements.
In the practical research and production stage, the tactile emotions and formative sensibilities acquired through the process of touching and arranging flowers served as the core driving force for artistic creation. While faithfully inheriting the traditional Suganchaesek (water-based pigmentation) technique, a total of five series were produced by introducing modern objects such as ribbons, paper airplanes, and Jogakbo (traditional patchwork): <!-- Not Allowed Tag Filtered --><Peony-Ryu (Flow)>, <!-- Not Allowed Tag Filtered --><Lotus-Gyeol (Knot)>, <!-- Not Allowed Tag Filtered --><Pomegranate-Yeon (Extension)>, <!-- Not Allowed Tag Filtered --><Pomegranate-Sang (Auspiciousness)>, and <!-- Not Allowed Tag Filtered --><Pomegranate-Yo (Abundance)>.
The findings of this study are as follows. First, in , paper airplanes and human figures were introduced to transform the traditional desire for wealth and honor into a modern narrative of childhood dreams and self-reflection. Second, in , ribbons were incorporated to expand the iconographic meaning of purification into a meditative space for the emotional solace of modern individuals. Third, in the pomegranate series, elements such as ribbons, Jogakbo, and traditional blinds were utilized to reconstruct the symbolism of fecundity into the extension of vitality, the fusion of complex auspiciousness, and metaphorical spatiality, thereby suggesting the architectural spatiality and design transformation possibilities of Minhwa.
In conclusion, floral iconography is not a mere replication of a fixed style; when combined with the artist's personal narrative, it creates new artistic value as a medium of healing that comforts the lives of contemporaries. This study is significant in that it expands the study of traditional floral iconography from theoretical discourse to the realm of creative evolution by redefining the symbolism of traditional iconography with modern values and presenting a practical methodology.