Learn Minhwa
( Korean painting)
with me
Korean diaspora art
Korean diaspora art
About Jess Song
I am a Korean-American artist who recently turned to Minhwa, a traditional folk painting style, to come back to my roots. Born and raised in New York City, I’ve trained in fine arts since age 6. I only learned about minhwa in 2019 through my father, a traditional Korean calligraphy artist.
I took a break from art to work in mental health innovation and marketing for trauma-surviving populations. In 2026, I return to art, focusing on how creativity, identity, and mental health relate to each other.
About Tiger Magpie
I started TigerMagpie to document my attempts at learning minhwa, a traditional Korean painting technique.
As someone with basic Korean knowledge, I’ve found it difficult to access resources and tools. As I learn through my father, videos, books, and hours and hours of practice, I will share what I learn here.
About Minhwa
Minhwa is a traditional form of Korean folk painting that originated during the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910).
Typically, only scholars and elite court officials practiced formal ink painting and calligraphy. Everyday people developed minhwa as a more accessible and expressive visual culture.
Works were often used as political satire, symbolic imagery, and talismans to wish protection, longevity, prosperity, and happiness. They were often anonymous, boldly colorful, and stylized.
