From September 25 to October 1, 2024, Gallery Grimson in Insadong will host a solo exhibition by renowned Korean artist Kim Ah Young. Known for her deep connection to the traditional medium of Korean ink painting, Kim’s latest works showcase her reflections on nature, human interaction, and the emotional turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The exhibition, which marks her first solo showcase since 2019, invites viewers to experience both the beauty of nature and the complex emotions that arose during the pandemic years.

Kim Ah Young’s work is rooted in the principles of Ilpil Huiji (一筆揮之), a traditional concept in Korean painting that emphasizes the fluid power of a single brushstroke. In this exhibition, Kim uses this technique to explore the balance of strength and delicacy in her lines, a hallmark of her artistic practice developed over many years. Each brushstroke in her pieces not only conveys the visual aesthetics of changing seasons but also reflects a deeper meditation on the fleeting moments of life and the emotional undercurrents that shape our daily existence.

The exhibition features works that Kim has created since her last major show in 2019. These pieces reflect the artist’s inner journey through the pandemic, a time when restrictions on social gatherings and widespread isolation affected people worldwide. As with many artists, Kim found solace in her work, using it as a way to channel her frustration and anxiety. Her brush became an extension of her voice, capturing both the beauty of nature and the emotional weight of the pandemic in each stroke.

One of the key themes in Kim's work during this period is her exploration of human connection. Throughout the pandemic, Kim found herself relying on phone conversations to maintain social ties. The daily calls, which once might have been quick, became a source of emotional support as people sought to connect in a world where physical meetings were restricted. These conversations found their way into her art, as many of the individuals she spoke with became subjects in her paintings, their presence a subtle reflection of the shared yearning for connection that defined much of the pandemic experience.

The exhibition is not just about personal relationships but also about nature’s role in providing comfort and grounding during times of turmoil. Kim’s deep connection to the natural world is evident in her works, where the changing seasons and landscapes act as a counterbalance to the emotional turbulence she experienced. Her brushstrokes evoke the rhythms of nature, from the soft transitions of spring blossoms to the harshness of winter. Through her work, Kim captures the idea that, while human life may be filled with uncertainty, nature continues its eternal cycle.

Kim Ah Young’s artist’s note provides further insight into her mindset during this period. She recalls the isolation and unease of social distancing, the strict limits on gatherings, and the mistrust that arose as people worried about potential virus carriers. The restrictions on gatherings—sometimes allowing only two people to meet—created a sense of disconnection that was felt by many. In response, Kim turned to her art as a means of processing these feelings, capturing both the claustrophobia of isolation and the small joys found in daily life during this strange time.

In addition to exploring human emotions, Kim also reflects on the power of art in providing a form of healing. The act of painting became her outlet for working through the challenges of the pandemic, and the resulting pieces offer viewers a sense of shared experience. The exhibition serves as a reminder that, while the pandemic forced people apart, it also brought them closer in unexpected ways—through conversations, shared moments, and the simple act of reaching out to one another.

This exhibition is a retrospective of Kim’s work over the past few years and a visual diary of her personal and emotional journey through the pandemic. Her art captures the tension between isolation and connection, between the quiet rhythms of nature and the turbulent emotions that defined much of 2020 and beyond. It offers viewers a chance to reflect on their own experiences during this time and find solace in the fact that the pandemic may have left emotional scars, but it also fostered new forms of resilience and connection.

Sayart / Maria Kimㅡ sayart2022@gmail.com