On view May 2nd - June
13th, 2024
Opening Reception: May 2nd,
6 - 8 pm
Gallery and Atrium at the Korean Cultural Center New York
NEW YORK, April 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Korean
Cultural Center New York (KCCNY), a branch of the Ministry of
Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea, is proud to
present a special exhibition "Whanki in New York," from May 2
to June 13, 2024. This exhibition commemorates the pivotal
years of pioneering abstract artist Kim Whanki (1913-1974), who
established his artistic legacy during his transformative time in
New York. It pays tribute to his
profound impact on contemporary art 50 years after his passing.
Whanki in New
York is uniquely significant in that it not only
showcases 27 original artworks on loan from the Whanki Museum in
Seoul but also, for the first
time, unveils private collections from New York acquaintances of Kim and his wife.
Moreover, LG Electronics presents five digital artworks that
reinterpret Kim's creative universe through cutting-edge
technology. These innovative pieces, crafted by emerging media
artists using LG OLED screens as their medium, include crucial
works from his New York
period in the 1970s.
"The KCCNY is excited to collaborate with the Whanki Museum and
LG Electronics to bring Kim Whanki's significant works to
New York. Since our founding in
1979, we've been committed to promoting Korean culture and art in
New York. This exhibition not only
celebrates Kim's critical New York
era but also includes rare personal artifacts, contributed by the
Korean American community. Our event shines a fresh light on his
legacy, fostering cultural connections across generations," says
Michael Cheonsoo Kim, Executive Director of the Korean Cultural
Center New York.
Kim Whanki's Artistic Evolution with Endless
Experimentations
Kim's artistic journey is vividly illustrated by the diverse
locales that shaped his development and unique style. Beginning in
Tokyo during the 1930s
(1933-1937), he immersed himself in an environment rich with
academic pursuit and artistic exploration. Returning to Korea, he
emerged as a key figure in Seoul's
vibrant art scene from 1937 to 1956, where he formed the
'Shinsasilpa (New Realism Group)' with fellow artist Yoo YoungKuk.
His artistic narrative continued to unfold in Paris from 1956 to 1959, where he honed a
distinctive artistic identity. However, it was his period in
New York from 1963 to 1974 that
culminated in his mature artistic expressions, epitomized by the
iconic "all-over dot paintings."
This exhibition delves deeply into Kim's New York era, showcasing not only his artworks
but also personal items such as diaries, photographs, and letters
that offer a glimpse into his creative process. Specifically
focusing on his works on paper—selected by the Whanki Museum as
representative of his artistic breadth—the exhibit highlights how,
beginning in the early 1960s with gouache depictions of mountains
and the moon, his technique evolved. By the late 1960s, he was
experimenting with oil paints, creating intricate dot patterns on
media as varied as the New York Times
and traditional Korean hanji paper. These works underscore
his dedication to media experimentation and the meticulous efforts
that defined his legacy.
Rencountering Kim Whanki in New
York after 50 Years
This retrospective serves as a meaningful reminder of Kim's
status as an undisputed trailblazer of Korean abstract art,
reconnecting audiences with his legacy half a century after his
final days in New York. During
this transformative period, he deliberately distanced himself from
traditional authorities and artistic conventions, fully immersing
in a milieu brimming with the energy of creativity. His relocation
to New York marked a pivotal
shift, allowing him to reengage with the fundamentals of his craft
and carve out a unique yet universal artistic realm.
In the spirit of Kim's own reflections, as noted in his diary
from July 2, 1968, this exhibition
encourages viewers to approach his works with new perspectives: "An
artist must always be wary of being trapped by conventional views.
One should always approach their work with fresh eyes, as if seeing
it for the first time." KCCNY invites audiences to experience the
enduring resonance of his artistic spirit and rediscover his
contributions to the world of art, reflecting on the timeless
nature of his creations and the ongoing influence they hold.
Whanki in New
York is collaborated with the Whanki Museum
| LG OLED is the Headline Partner for Whanki in New
York | Lead support for Whanki in New York is provided by Dashing Diva
About the Korean Cultural Center New York
The Korean Cultural Center New York (KCCNY) is a branch of the
Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea
inaugurated in 1979 to establish and promote Korean culture in
New York. KCCNY provides diverse
cultural and artistic activities including gallery exhibitions,
performing arts programs, film festivals, educational workshops,
and more, offering a place of experience and learning.
With its new location at 122 E 32nd Street in New York, KCCNY provides a newly expanded
platform to operate as a cultural hub in the heart of the city near
Manhattan's Koreatown.
For more information, visit www.koreanculture.org and follow
@kccny on Instagram.
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SOURCE Korean Cultural Center New York