Minji Kang-Watrous

“Minji Kang-Watrous” is a self-taught contemporary Hanji artist, deeply rooted in the traditions of her Korean heritage. Born and raised in Seoul, she moved to Texas in her early 20s, carrying the cultural legacy of Hanji, an ancient Korean papermaking tradition.

Growing up, Minji assisted her mother, Hyeon-Ok Seong, a Hanji artist, in her
labor-intensive projects, unknowingly cultivating a deep passion for the art. In the U.S., working with Hanji became her way of coping with homesickness. Minji’s work blends tradition and modernity. She handpicks her paper from Korea and often collaborates with a third-generation Hanji shop with over 100 years of history. This connection to the past is central to her practice, as she believes in honoring the materials and methods that have shaped the present.

“Much like my art, my story is built on layers - tradition and modernity, challenges and triumphs, and the process of creating itself.” - Minji