Seen and Heard : Moonji L. Pickering : Moon Rabbits

Korean folk art, also known as Minhwa, traditionally reflected the day-to-day hopes, beliefs, and lives of common people. The art was drawn to wish for protection, health, and achieving goals. It was drawn by common folks with nature as their subject, and it was highly symbolic because the art wasn’t just for decoration. By interpreting Minhwa, I get a glimpse of my ancestors’ lives.

As an immigrant and mother of two kids, I wanted my kids to know their mother’s side of the family’s culture and understand their heritage. From Minhwa, I not only learned about my roots but also drew artistic inspiration. “Dragon with Clouds” and “Moon Rabbits” are a modern take on Minhwa and reflect my wish for my family’s health and prosperity.

In Korean legend, each dragon possesses one Yeouiju (Yo-we-joo), a marble that has magical powers. Many paintings featuring dragons were used to wish for rain for the crops because dragons were believed to bring rain - hence the clouds. “Dragon with Clouds” draws on the dragons’ magical powers by wishing for rain and magical protection from bad spirits.

The background story of “Moon Rabbits” is that Koreans believed two rabbits lived on the moon and pounded on a mill. The rabbits are believed to be pounding on leaves that make a medicine that can cure any disease. Thus, the painting wishes happiness, health, and a prosperous life to people.