Moonji Lee Pickering - In Search of Light: Hojacdo

Hojacdo, 2021
14x11", Colored Pencil

In the Joseon Dynasty of Korea, this style of art, known as “Hojacdo” [hoʊ dʒɑːk doʊ] was gifted by people to friends and neighbors to wish them well-being and luck for the New Year. The tiger, as a strong beast of prey, symbolizes the defeat of all the bad spirits. The magpie was believed to bring good news, so it symbolizes a messenger of good luck. Lastly, the pine tree symbolizes longevity. Featuring all of them together in the painting and hung on the front door of people's houses made people feel safe and protected. I created this piece to draw on traditional Korean themes that are relevant today.