Woong Kim was one of the first Korean artists to enter the New York art world in the early 70s. Despite living in the US for a long time, he has managed to hold onto his memories of his homeland. However, his connection to his roots is not simply a matter of nostalgia. He actively expresses his feelings about his natural prototypes, and this is a reflection of his frugal yet authentic self. His approach to art is centered around this core aspect of his identity.

 

Although his painting is two-dimensional, the artist's repetitive brushstrokes create layers with varying depths, resulting in a unique aspect. The painting may appear monotonous at first glance, but it reflects an interior rich in changes. The relative dimensions of space and time seem to be subtly woven within the painting to create a unique work of art. The delicate yet vibrant brushstrokes are repeated, expanding the space and recalling memories that have settled deep beneath the surface. The width of space and the depth of time appear to react to each other, leaving a lingering impression.

 

His paintings may be misunderstood as monochromatic flat abstractions. However, the truth is that there are hidden symbols and forms within his work that are easy to miss. These symbols are often objects that might only be recognizable to those who are Korean or who have grown up in rural areas of Korea. Nevertheless, even if you don't share the same experiences as the artist, you can still feel the emotional impact of his work. This is because his paintings are welcoming and evoke curiosity in anyone who views them. Through their rich implications, viewers can easily empathize with the stories that his paintings tell. An American critic once called his work "a treasure box of memories" that is open to anyone. This is the true charm of his art.

 

 

When we try to understand an artist, we often think about where they were born, their upbringing, and their education. This is particularly important for artists like Woong Kim, whose art is deeply rooted in the emotions he experienced during his childhood. Perhaps it should not be overlooked that his art is rooted in the inner emotions formed by his childhood memories. As mentioned above, his feelings about his roots and prototypes were created from here.

 

His work depicts the artist's childhood memories of his mother's sewing box, which left a lasting impression on him. As a child, he must have found the box filled with sewing supplies fascinating and enchanting. The spool of thread, thimble, and various pieces of cloth in the box likely became some of the first objects he formed attachments to. It's easy to imagine that these small items and their colors served as the artist's earliest inspiration. Over time, these objects transformed into new forms whose original forms cannot be identified.

 

In a room, there is a small tray with legs set up, and it is covered with a patchwork made of scrap cloth. Breakfast served on a tray can satiate not just physical hunger, but also provide simple yet profound nourishment for the mind. The artist may have discovered the spiritual world of Koreans through this small tray or a world of warm hearts, simply not a material world.

 

Soon it gets dark and a round moon rises. The outlines of the mountain peaks in front are barely visible, and the village at the foot of the mountain in the distance is disappearing into the darkness. You will feel the author's emotions getting more intense. You can feel the artist’s emotions intensifying as the scene unfolds.