Ha Chong Hyun at Lisson Gallery in London, England, presents a comprehensive look at the career of one of Korea's most influential abstract painters. The exhibition centers on the artist's radical departure from traditional application, showcasing how he transforms the canvas from a passive surface into an active material participant. Visitors encounter a practice rooted in the Dansaekhwa movement, where the physical act of creating becomes as significant as the finished visual form.

The display spans six decades, beginning with the geometric strips of the late-1960s Naissance series and early experiments involving industrial objects. These rare early works feature barbed wire, coiled springs, and charred surfaces, reflecting the gritty reality of post-war Korea. The core of the show explores the evolution of the Conjunction series, defined by the bae-ap-beop technique where thick oil paint is forced through the reverse side of coarse hemp burlap until it beads on the front.

Seeing these works together reveals the continuity between Ha’s early aggressive use of wire and his later, more meditative manipulation of paint. By moving beyond simple monochrome abstraction, the show highlights how the artist uses pressure and materiality to bridge the gap between two-dimensional painting and three-dimensional sculpture. This inaugural exhibition with the gallery offers a vital perspective on a painter who helped shift the focus of modern art from representation to the raw integrity of materials.

A refined and tactile experience for those interested in the physical limits of painting and the history of East Asian avant-garde movements.

The gallery is located on Bell Street in Marylebone and typically offers free admission during standard opening hours from Tuesday to Saturday.