This paper focuses on how visual elements such as traditional materials and images are reinterpreted in a contemporary way, not abstract concepts such as traditional spirit or ideologies. The painters use partial images in traditional culture as a subject for expressing their narrative. These images were removed from their original context and newly combined. In addition, they use not only the subject matter, but also the composition of a picture used in traditional painting. By substituting contemporary elements in these compositions, they naturally mix modern and traditional. Finally, various traditional coloring techniques are used to convey modern messages depending on the type of pigment or base material, such as paper or silk. Following any technique does not connect the vein of tradition. Rather, traditional techniques serve as an important means of conveying a message. This contemporary transformation of tradition is mainly the result of a mixture of various elements such as Korean culture, current society, and fine art. In this regard, contemporary Korean color paintings are meaningful in that they can show the value of Korean culture in the present society, rather than reviving tradition.

Contemporary art, Contemporary transfiguration, Korean color paintings, Post-production, Traditional visual elements