Theory of the 'Schematic Medium'

The term 'Schematic Medium' refers to all the works of artist Kim Hee-jo, which are based on a principle and develop across various series or are created within an organic interrelationship.

'Schematic' as an adjective derived from 'Schema' means 'diagram' or 'schematic', but in cognitive psychology, it refers to the 'cognitive framework' or 'structure of thought' used to interact with and understand the world.

'Medium' generally means 'means', 'tool', or 'material', but in contemporary art, it is used to denote the entire range of artistic expression, including painting, sculpture, and objects.

Thus, Kim Hee-jo's 'Schematic Medium' is a unique strategy and methodology of the artist, where works such as paintings, drawings, sculptures, objects, and installations are not produced independently or fragmentarily but are created in a series or systematic system maintaining organic relationships.

Operating Principle of the 'Schematic Medium'
The 'Schematic Medium' operates through the structuring of concepts, unified form and technique, and through repetition and variation.

Structuring of Concepts
When the theme of the artwork is clear, the artist comprehends and consistently expresses it in a holistic and structured manner, allowing the message of the artwork to be conveyed without fragmentary or partial distortion.

Unified Form and Technique
Creating artworks with a unified form and technique maintains a consistent theme and style, making it easier for viewers to understand and empathize with the artwork’s message. It also establishes the artist’s unique style, enhances identity, increases work efficiency, and improves the overall aesthetic completeness.

For example, Piet Mondrian used horizontal and vertical lines and primary colors to represent his neo-plasticist belief that all objects could be reduced to verticals and horizontals, thus visually expressing his philosophical ideas effectively. Similarly, Sol LeWitt applied mathematical rules and schematic concepts to points, lines, planes, and shapes to produce works in an organic and unified form, demonstrating the artist's principles and methodologies well.

Repetition and Variation
Human thought is multifaceted and complex, and thus cannot be fully expressed with a single form. Through repetition and variation, the form is expanded to more effectively reveal the content and intent of the work. Moreover, viewers can properly see the beginning, process, and flow of the artwork.

Classification of the Schematic Medium

Schematic Painting
The 〈One Hour〉 Series and Series are works created by applying the concept of Schema to painting.

The 〈One Hour〉 Series represents features of influential figures captured within one hour using quick brush strokes, illustrating the essence of human nature's instinctual and intuitive perception.

〈Colored Lined Painting〉 isn’t merely about drawing lines and circles for beauty but represents the artist's inner self through lines and colors as a practical performance.

Schematic Drawing
〈Semi-Circle & No.9〉 symbolizes human imperfection through the repetition of 'semi-circles' and the number 'nine', revealing the essence of oneself and humanity through practical actions.

Schematic Object
These works transition the basic forms that the artist had previously employed on a flat plane into three-dimensional objects, showing the transformation and new forms when applied in three dimensions.

Schematic Installation
〈Platform1〉 and 〈Platform2〉 represent works that express the concept exploration of the Schematic Medium in the form of installation art, integrating traditional painting, sculpture, and objects into a comprehensive and integrated character through the artist's methodology.

Conclusion
The Schematic Medium is a concept that, through Kim Hee-jo's innovative creation methods, integrates various artistic expressions into a new formative concept and completes them in an organic series format. It continuously expands the boundaries and possibilities of contemporary art, demonstrating that art works evolve beyond mere visual representations into constantly evolving artistic entities.

Jay Jongho Kim graduated from the Department of Art Theory at Hongik University and earned his master's degree in Art Planning from the same university. From 1996 to 2006, he worked as a curator at Gallery Seomi, planning director at CAIS Gallery, head of the curatorial research team at Art Center Nabi, director at Gallery Hyundai, and curator at Gana New York. From 2008 to 2017, he served as the executive director of Doosan Gallery Seoul & New York and Doosan Residency New York, introducing Korean contemporary artists to the local scene in New York. After returning to Korea in 2017, he worked as an art consultant, conducting art education, collection consulting, and various art projects. In 2021, he founded A Project Company and is currently running the platforms K-ARTNOW.COM and K-ARTIST.COM, which aim to promote Korean contemporary art on the global stage.