To commemorate the art world of KIM Whanki(Pen name:Suwha), the pioneer of Korean modern art in the 20th century, the Whanki Museum was established by Kim HyangAn in 1992 at the foot of Mt.Bukak, Seoul. As the founder of the museum, spouse, and emotional and financial supporter, Kim HyangAn had delivered the oeuvre of Whanki to the world throughout the researches, exhibitions and publications after he passed away in 1974. In addition, she strived to develop the art society and culture in support of the creative activities of contemporary artists.
Designed by Korea-America architect WOO kyusung, the Whanki Museum is located in Buamdong, a neighborhood of Seongbuk-dong where Whanki and HyangAn lived and left affectionate traces of life and art of many years. The building is made of Korean materials reminiscent of the national sentiment, and the architectonic beauty of the walls of the dome contrasting hue of granite reminds of Whanki’s figurative works based on Korean nature, The inside of galleries are freely open, connect, and communicate with each other, while creating an atmosphere where artists can organize the works chronically and thematically in an independent arrangement or immerse oneself in the unique atmosphere of sharing on a subject. The Whanki Museum is a modern Korean architecture praised by architects and welcomes architectural pilgrims, as well as the exhibition visitors from around the world.
The fundamental purpose of the establishment of the Whanki Museum is to organize and preserve the art world of Whanki, and to represent the artist’s works and inspiring aesthetics to the world. In addition, the museum inherited the significant institution of the Whanki Foundation such as the “Prix Whanki(Whanki Prize),” which KIM HyangAn started in the mid-1970s in supporting exhibitions by selecting artists who work vigorously regardless of nationality, age, or gender, based on the Whanki and HyangAn’s belief that the young people are the future of the world and a treasure trove of artistic energy.
On behalf on the Whanki Museum, I will discover and introduce young artists in respect of Whanki’s lifelong aspiration on nurturing, enjoyin conversations, and socializing with young artists, paying great attention to leading them. Grounded upon the purpose of establishment of the Whangki Foundation and the Whanki Museum, all of the exhibitions, events, and educational programs have been continued by the Whanki Museum not only for social trends or popular expectation, but a way to practice of creating the world that constantly changing through the work of art in pursuing Whanki’s spirit of challenge and endurance.
As the founder HyangAn said, “an art museum is the content,” the content of the museum is the key element. All employees of the Whanki Museum, including myself, will endeavor to provide the contents that are flexibly reflecting the present and reaching out to the public.
Director PARK Mee-Jung
Exhibitions
http://whankimuseum.org/museum/exhibition/current/
Address
03020 서울시 종로구 자하문로 40길 63
A63, Jahamun-ro 40-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul(03020)
Opening Hours
Tuesday to Sunday : 10:00am - 18:00pm
Contact
T_82 02 391 7701
F_82 02 391 7703
E_info@whankimuseum.org
Sayart.net
Sayart sayart2022@gmail.com
