The beauty of dancheong, a traditional Korean method of painting wooden architecture using decorative colors and patterns, recently graced Toronto as OIS Art of Canada held a free exhibition titled "The Colours and Soul of Korea: Dancheong" at 918 Bathurst Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, from June 2-15, 2025. OIS Art of Canada is a Toronto-based non-profit organization dedicated to promoting cultural and artistic exchange between Korea and Canada. "The Colours and Soul of Korea: Dancheong" was its first dancheong exhibition since its establishment in 2018. Co-hosted by Seoul-based Moowoosoo Gallery, the exhibit showcased artworks created by 11 traditional and contemporary dancheong artists.

Toronto-based non-profit organization OIS Art of Canada and Seoul-based Moowoosoo Gallery held an exhibition titled "The Colours and Soul of Korea: Dancheong" in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, from June 2-15, 2025. (OIS Art of Canada)

A grand opening reception for the event was held on June 6, featuring traditional Korean performances and refreshments, as well as a lecture by a dancheong expert, who also served as the event's presenter. According to OIS Art of Canada Founder and Chair Jenny Lee, the dancheong expert was Jiyoung Byun, who studied Buddhist art at Dongguk University in Korea and has curated numerous exhibitions highlighting Korea's rich cultural heritage at Moowoosoo Gallery. "Her profound knowledge of traditional aesthetics and symbolism provided valuable insights into the historical and spiritual significance of dancheong, offering the audience a meaningful and engaging introduction to this distinctive art form," said Lee in an email interview conducted this month. Consul General Youngjae Kim from the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Toronto also attended the opening reception and gave congratulatory remarks.

Moowoosoo Gallery Director Yeonsook Lee, Consul General Youngjae Kim from the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Toronto, and OIS Art of Canada Founder and Chair Jenny Lee during the grand opening reception for the "The Colours and Soul of Korea: Dancheong" exhibit in Toronto on June 6, 2025. (OIS Art of Canada)

Visitors listen as OIS Art of Canada Founder and Chair Jenny Lee speaks at the grand opening reception for the "The Colours and Soul of Korea: Dancheong" exhibit in Toronto on June 6, 2025. (OIS Art of Canada)

On June 7, as part of the exhibition, OIS Art of Canada and Moowoosoo Gallery hosted a dancheong workshop in cooperation with the Korean Cultural Centre Canada in Ottawa, Ontario. Participants learned about dancheong and painted fans with dancheong patterns using natural pigments.

Participants attend a dancheong workshop held by OIS Art of Canada and Moowoosoo Gallery in collaboration with the Korean Cultural Centre Canada on June 7, 2025, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, as part of "The Colours and Soul of Korea: Dancheong" exhibit. (OIS Art of Canada)

To learn more about OIS Art of Canada; its founder, Jenny Lee; and how the organization promotes cultural exchange between Canada and Korea through various activities, such as the recent dancheong exhibit, I conducted a written interview with Lee through email from June 11-23.

Below are excerpts from the interview.

Could you please tell us about yourself?

From 2015 to 2017, I served as executive director of the Korean Canadian Cultural Association in Toronto, where I organized over 40 cultural, artistic, and community-related events. I hold a certificate in Human Services Management and Leadership for Non-Profit Organizations from the University of Toronto.

I continue to collaborate with various local community organizations to promote cultural exchange between the two countries by organizing seminars, workshops, performances, and exhibitions. I am also deeply engaged in multicultural artistic collaborations and have curated numerous exhibitions and programs that strengthen the bonds between Korean and Canadian artists.

What led you to establish OIS Art of Canada and promote art and cultural exchange between Korea and Canada?

Having lived and worked in both Korea and Canada, I've had the privilege of experiencing the beauty and richness of both cultures firsthand. In 2018, I founded OIS Art of Canada to create a platform where artists and audiences from both countries could connect, engage in meaningful dialogue, explore shared values, and celebrate cultural diversity through art. Since then, our organization has hosted a wide range of exhibitions, workshops, and collaborative projects aimed at enhancing artistic accessibility and deepening cultural understanding between Korea and Canada.

How do you choose the themes of the exhibitions you curate at OIS Art of Canada?

I strive to select themes that are not only artistically engaging but also culturally meaningful. We actively seek opportunities to highlight underrepresented aspects of Korean culture for Canadian audiences—and vice versa—broadening mutual understanding. These themes often emerge through ongoing dialogue with artists, curators, and cultural institutions from both countries. We also consider their cultural relevance and their potential to foster meaningful artistic connections between Korea and Canada.

Why did you decide to highlight dancheong in your latest exhibition?

Dancheong is one of Korea's most visually captivating and symbolically profound art forms, yet it remains relatively unfamiliar to audiences outside of Korea. With 2024–2025 designated as the Korea–Canada Year of Cultural Exchanges, this moment presented an ideal opportunity to highlight a tradition that embodies Korea's historical aesthetics, philosophical depth, and exceptional craftsmanship. The exhibition serves as a meaningful introduction for Canadian audiences to the intricate beauty and cultural significance of the decorative painting found on traditional Korean wooden architecture. More than just ornamentation, dancheong represents the preservation of heritage and continues to inspire contemporary fine art and design.

A display from "The Colours and Soul of Korea: Dancheong" exhibition in Toronto in June 2025 shows the process of dancheong, from plain wood to finished (colored) wood, as well as the natural pigments used in the technique. (Jenny Lee)

What factor(s) did you focus on when choosing the artists and artworks to feature at "The Colours and Soul of Korea: Dancheong", and why?

We focused on diversity in both artistic approach and cultural background. The exhibition brings together 11 artists, including master artisans, contemporary painters, and sculptors. Our aim was to present a broad spectrum—from traditional craftsmanship to modern reinterpretations—in order to highlight the original meaning of dancheong while also exploring its potential to inspire contemporary artistic expression.

Three of the art pieces featured in "The Colours and Soul of Korea: Dancheong" exhibition in Toronto in June 2025: "Begin Again" by Jaeyun Lee, "Reason of Dancheong" by Chilgyo Seo, and "Dharma Figure 1" by Duhyun Hwang. (Jenny Lee)

How was the dancheong exhibit received by the visitors?

The dancheong exhibition was met with enthusiastic responses and admiration from visitors. Many were seeing dancheong for the first time and were amazed by its vibrant and intricate colors, expressing deep appreciation for the exceptional craftsmanship and artistry embedded in each piece.

The exhibition not only deepened visitors' understanding of Korea's cultural heritage but also fostered a stronger emotional connection to traditional Korean art. It sparked a growing desire to experience more of Korea's traditional arts in the future. The sense of wonder, respect, and curiosity it inspired made the exhibition a truly rewarding experience.

Could you share an unforgettable piece of feedback you received during the exhibit?

One unforgettable piece of feedback came from visitors who were encountering Korean traditional art for the very first time. They expressed deep admiration and gratitude for the extraordinary beauty and creativity of the dancheong works, describing them as "a magnificent architectural art form using natural pigments from over 500 years ago." They were particularly moved by how Korean artists and cultural practitioners have not only preserved this ancient tradition but also continued to reinterpret it in meaningful ways for today's world. Their heartfelt appreciation reminded us of the powerful role art plays in bridging cultures and time.

Personally, which is your favorite piece from "The Colours and Soul of Korea: Dancheong", and why?

It's difficult to choose, but if I have to choose one, one of my personal favorite pieces from "The Colours and Soul of Korea: Dancheong" is a Buddha sculpture titled "Impermanence" by Buddhist sculptor Jaeyun Lee. The work captures the essence of Korean Buddhist philosophy—that only by transcending the joys and sorrows of human life can one reach the state of nirvana. Its serene yet powerful presence reminds us, even in our fast-paced modern lives, of the profound beauty and wisdom in accepting impermanence. It's a piece that encourages deep reflection and inner stillness.

A visitor takes a look at Jaeyun Lee's sculpture titled "Impermanence", one of the works featured in "The Colours and Soul of Korea: Dancheong" exhibit in Toronto in June 2025. (OIS Art of Canada)

As part of the dancheong exhibit, you collaborated with Moowoosoo Gallery and the Korean Cultural Centre Canada for a dancheong workshop. How was the workshop overall, and what feedback did you receive from the participants?

The dancheong workshop was an outstanding success. It began with an engaging lecture on the historical and cultural significance of dancheong, particularly in traditional Korean architecture such as palaces, temples, and aristocratic houses. Participants had the opportunity to view samples of the traditional dancheong painting process and materials, and then create their own artworks using authentic dancheong colors. Many were deeply impressed by the creativity and artistic sophistication of Korean architectural design, as well as the incredible preservation of these traditional buildings for over 500 years. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive—participants expressed both admiration and gratitude, and many shared their hope that more opportunities to experience traditional Korean art will be available in the future.

While promoting Korean and Canadian culture and art over the years, have you discovered similarities between them?

Absolutely. Both cultures value nature, storytelling, and a deep sense of community. I've found that artists in both countries often explore themes of identity, belonging, and harmony—though expressed through different visual languages. These shared values form a strong foundation for cultural dialogue.

What has been your most rewarding experience to date as the founder of OIS Art of Canada?

One of the most rewarding experiences for me as the founder of OIS Art of Canada has been initiating and organizing artist exchange exhibitions between Korea and Canada—especially at a time when there were limited opportunities for the general public to experience the two cultures side by side. By creating accessible platforms where diverse audiences can engage with the art and heritage of both countries, we've contributed to a deeper understanding and mutual respect for each other's creative expressions. What's been especially meaningful is witnessing how interest in one another's art has continued to grow, and how cultural exchange between Korea and Canada is expanding in both depth and reach.

Does OIS Art of Canada have any upcoming events?

Yes, we are very excited about two new projects. This October, OIS Art of Canada has been invited to participate in FEST M at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) in Toronto, where we will present contemporary Korean pop art to a diverse audience. We are also planning a tour to three cities in Eastern Canada in 2026: Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal. Both projects aim to deepen cultural exchange between our two countries by introducing Korean art to mainstream Canadian society through dynamic and accessible art experiences.