HIGHLIGHT

This is a rare late 1970s work by Kim Whanki, one of the leading painters of modern and contemporary Korean art. The year this work was created, 1970, corresponds to the later period of Kim’s career, a time regarded as the culmination of his artistic maturity.

During this period, Kim’s style underwent a significant transformation. His forms became increasingly simplified, and he produced works based primarily on a blue hue, later referred to as “Whanki Blue.”

Kim spent the latter part of his life in Paris (1956–1958), Seoul (1958–1963), and, seeking further self-transformation, spent his final ten years in New York.

In a diary written during his time in New York, Kim stated:

“…I am fond of the works I am about to paint. Simple compositions, an indescribable blue… Only I can create my own world…”<br>

As previously mentioned, during his New York years, Kim’s works converged toward austere, meditative compositions dominated by punctuated dots. The present work is densely filled within outlined squares. However, these dots are not placed randomly; each is carefully arranged according to meticulous preparation. At first glance, the repetition may seem monotonous, but it unfolds a rhythmic, expansive, and almost cosmic space. Furthermore, the downward-pointing triangles at the top of the composition are precisely aligned with the centers of the depressions in the triangles below, creating a sense of unity across the canvas.

This work exudes a serene yet luminous presence. It stands as a culmination of Kim’s artistic achievements and, simultaneously, as one of the representative works of Korean abstract art.

Kim Whanki is regarded as the “Father of Korean Abstract Art.” He studied in Japan in the 1930s under Tsuguharu Fujita and Seiji Togo. In 1937, he returned to Korea and quickly established himself as a pioneer of abstract painting in his homeland. Even after achieving prominence, he continued to pursue artistic exploration, spending the late 1950s in Paris and the early 1960s until his death in New York. As a pioneer of Korean abstract painting, his name and achievements shine brilliantly in the history of Korean art.