Yong Ju Ha (South Korean, b. 1967) is a visual artist known for his gouache works on hanji (traditional Korean paper), often featuring recurring motifs such as gas masks and solitary figures. His practice explores psychological tension and visual symbolism through restrained composition and muted tones.
Ha studied at Hongik University in Seoul and later at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, developing a style that reflects both Korean artistic traditions and contemporary concerns. His use of hanji and graphic precision lend his works a distinct clarity, while his subject matter engages with themes of protection, vulnerability, and identity.
Rather than narrative, Ha’s works emphasise atmosphere and form, drawing viewers into a reflective space. The artist’s consistent formal approach and engagement with socio-psychological motifs have made his work a notable contribution to South Korea’s post-1990s contemporary art landscape.
(Photographed in April 2025)