Whei Za Kim
- Introduction of Artist
- Whei Za Kim is an artist who graduated from Seoul National University's College of Fine Arts and later earned a master's degree in printmaking from Sungshin Women's University. Following her studies, she established a unique artistic vision while working as a visiting artist in New York. During her time in the coastal forests of Long Island, she experienced profound healing through her connection with nature. Observing trees that grow from the earth and stretch towards the sky, she became deeply attuned to the vitality and energy of the universe.
Kim acknowledges the limitations of science in understanding the essence of Qi—the fundamental energy of the universe—and believes that only through the human subconscious and emotions can one truly grasp and connect with this essence. For her, creating art is an ongoing dialogue with the cosmic mysteries, drawing endless inspiration from trees.
Her work often features wood that has been longitudinally cut, revealing unique grain patterns. The brushstrokes harmonize with these natural patterns, offering a visually pleasing experience. Particularly, the grain of trees that have grown in harsh environments exhibits dynamic qualities reminiscent of wind and waves, a trait that profoundly influences Kim’s work.
Kim frequently uses mirrors in her art, a material long associated with the concept of the mind in Eastern philosophy. A mirror, typically an empty space, only comes to life when it reflects an object. Kim views this emptiness as a special space for contemplation, allowing moments of reflection and insight. Her fascination with creating new spaces, inspired by her childhood experience with kaleidoscopes, is evident in her work. Mirrors are often incorporated in various forms to expand the space of her pieces, inviting viewers to enter and engage with the art.
Many of Kim's works feature three-dimensional objects, often in the form of triangles. The triangle, the simplest geometric shape, symbolizes relationships—between the self, the other, and an additional entity, reflecting the fundamental unit of society. In her triangular works, mirrors are placed inside to create a sense of spatial depth, where the reflected images change depending on the viewing angle. The fictitious space created by the reflections across three surfaces suggests that the real world is, in fact, a virtual space constructed by human perception.
Her panoramic works, which unfold like a screen, have mirrors vertically placed along each divided line, adding reflective surfaces within the narrative of the piece. This creates moments of contemplation as viewers engage with the artwork over time. In her box-shaped pieces, Kim paints the interior and exterior of wooden boxes, inserting mirrors that reflect the inner space. Through these works, viewers can peer into the box and encounter their own reflection within the artwork.
This introduction highlights Whei Za Kim’s artistic journey, the philosophical underpinnings of her work, and her innovative use of materials to explore the relationship between reality and perception.
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