Installation view of 《The Immortal Nature:
Things That Exist for Themselves, Not for Others》 ©Whanki MuseumThe Whanki Museum, which underwent a
renovation last year and was closed for 10 months, is hosting a special
reopening exhibition titled 《The Immortal Nature:
Things That Exist for Themselves, Not for Others》 until
March 5.
This exhibition showcases the artistic
journey of Kim Whanki (1913–1974), capturing the fleeting moments he observed,
heard, felt, or simply passed by, which were later transformed into his works.
The exhibited pieces range from his early lyrical works depicting the beauty of
Korean nature—such as mountains, moons, flowers, and birds—to the abstract
paintings he created during his time in France and New York.
Installation view of 《The Immortal Nature:
Things That Exist for Themselves, Not for Others》 ©Whanki MuseumKim Whanki’s artistic world began with an
aesthetic rooted in Korean sensibilities and literary lyricism. During his time
in Paris, he established a unique artistic philosophy of "poetic
spirit," where he fused Korea’s traditional and cultural heritage with the
abstract language of nature. In New York, where he dedicated his final years to
his art, Kim gradually moved away from figurative forms, delving into the
essence of nature and discovering a distilled abstraction expressed through
“dots, lines, and planes.”
Installation view of 《The Immortal Nature:
Things That Exist for Themselves, Not for Others》 ©Whanki MuseumFor Kim Whanki, nature was the central
theme that ran throughout his life’s work. To him, nature represented
"things that exist for themselves, not for others," an eternal and
immutable source of artistic inspiration and a reflection of his inner world.
This special exhibition offers an in-depth
exploration of Kim Whanki’s lifelong pursuit of the essence of nature and his
artistic vision. Alongside his works, visitors can also view the collections
that inspired his creations, providing a closer look at both his art and life.
Ji Yeon Lee has been working as an editor for the media art and culture channel AliceOn since 2021 and worked as an exhibition coordinator at samuso (now Space for Contemporary Art) from 2021 to 2023.
