Insight and Sapience,” an exhibition at the Kate Oh Gallery showcased the recent work of Erica Kim, one of Korea’s most influential emerging artists.
Using bright colors and easily accessible images like the sun, moon, and clouds, she delves deeply into the superficial in our lives where our focus, as she says, is “immediate conveniences and profits.”
The exhibition immerses the viewer into a world damaged by climate change, biological diversity and pollution. Each beautifully crafted piece is almost a warning: stay alert to environmental issues. Most persuasive are three characters in her various series: Witty, Lazee, and Coolio.
The huge ears on these sun-and-moon shaped sculptures symbolize how each sculpture from the fetal stage is attuned to specific sounds that play a crucial role in shaping their personalities. In her DNA series, the yellow-shoed Witty has a spirited personality and “embodies a delicate yet passionate connection to nature.” According to the artist. Lazee’s blue footwear reflects a dreamy introspective soul and is more placid and laid back, while Coolio’s black shoes reflect a sophistication and contemporary sensibility. The shoes in three distinct colors symbolize the unique genetic factors that shape their beguiling personalities, according to Kim.
The exhibition
immerses the viewer
into a world
damaged by climate change,
biological diversity
and pollution.
The vivid sunny colors of these three personalities stand in stark contrast to the work’s theme of impending environmental destruction. Most surprising is the use of radiant colors and two Swarovski crystals for their eyes. Almost all the work in this entrancing exhibition is allegorical, symbolic of both hope and despair. As American artist Dorothea Tanning (1910-2012) famously said: “Art is a metaphor for language.”
Like Tanning, Kim’s work features unexpected juxtapositions and elements of surprise. One of the most captivating works in this exhibition is The Readable Heart. According to the artist, it symbolizes the early communication and connection a fetus experiences in the womb.
Various symbols and motifs in her work also represent the deep communication between mother and child. Kim, born in Seoul, is the granddaughter of Park Shi-Choon, who is widely revered as the pioneer of Korean pop music. Kim’s work reflects her family heritage. Like her prominent grandfather, Kim’s approach is lyrical, witty and immensely engaging. Kim’s father also was a major influence. “He instilled in me a deep interest in predicting behavior which greatly inspires my art,” she says.
Kim moved to the United States for high school and went to the Parsons School of Design in New York City. After graduation, she created a portfolio to submit to advertising agencies but with her immense talent, it became clear that she had to pursue fine arts instead. “The unexpected encouragement opened my eyes to new possibilities and ultimately influenced my journey to becoming the artist I am today.”
Kim’s artwork starts with sketches, modeling, and specific ideas. “First I sketch out concrete shapes and designs. Then I create a model using Styrofoam.” She strengthens her model with a galvanizing treatment and attaches the plaster feet to the galvanized structure.
Kim calls this exhibition a “social and cultural series.” She worries about the harmful impacts affecting our world. Her approach is droll, fanciful, and captivating, but no less serious and important for all that. G&S
Kate Oh Gallery,
31 East 72nd Street, NY, NY 10021
info@kateohgallery.com
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