|
The First Art Newspaper on the Net |
|
Established in 1996 |
|
Friday, November 22, 2024 |
|
Yi Gallery is presenting Figuration, an extraordinary body of new paintings by GJ Kimsunken |
|
|
|
BROOKLYN, NY.- In his work, Kimsunken asks questions about human existence: who are we, why are we and what are we for? Generally, he titles each work Figuration. The new works represent a significant departure from his previous series and are an exciting development in his continuing interest in and investigation into human figuration. Kimsunken still methodically primes the canvas with gesso, which he then covers in multiple layers of oil paint, giving the surfaces an otherworldly luminescence, as well as substantial weight. Despite his compositions reductive, abstract appearance achieved by scraping away paint from the canvas Kimsunkens paintings represent the human figure.To the artist, this method is very much the most direct way of mark-making and is related to the core theme of his work - arousing the human condition - leading to the question of human salvation.
Kimsunkens non-descriptive figure paintings occupy a singular space between representation and abstraction. His repetitive and rigorous painting process emphasizes the physical properties of oil paint, with the resultant works deeply rooted in the history of the medium.
For this exhibition, the artist reflects on new modes of representing and abstracting the human figure. Absence and presence are equally important in the new group of works absence makes presence possible and presence exists through absence. The two states of being are inseparable. Only eight inches wide, Figuration 22. 18 (Otherness) is the same height as the artist himself seventy-one inches. Here, Kimsunken makes direct reference to the concept of absence by using an exaggerated, elongated format, cropping out a large part of the canvas and giving it an almost sculptural presence off the wall. In the artists own words, My work seems to question the meaning of presence through the concept of absence. Kimsunken wants viewers to stand next to a painting and feel the presence of a figure. The elongated, upright format isolates the essential image from the larger compositional structure and accentuates the human figure through articulation of the head. The exploration of this long format is further developed in two paintings, Figuration 22. 12 and Figuration 22. 17, which allude to cropped torsos and suggest the presence and absence of a full figure.
In the rear gallery, three smaller scaled works reflect the artists most recent exploration in figuration. By isolating part of the human figure, one at a time, Kimsunken encourages the viewer to use imagination to fill the blank wall space, where their own figure stands. Intended by the artist to hang low on the wall, Figuration 22. 16 (legs) alludes to the position of legs where a human figure stands. Questions of spatial relationship are necessarily a part of viewing Figuration 22. 13 (shoulder) and Figuration 22. 15, in response to ones own figure and other bodies in space. Through radical and tactful placement of intimately sized canvases, Kimsunken invites the viewer into a transcendental experience which affirms ones own sense of presence.
As with much of the artists practice, these predominantly monochromatic paintings possess subtle yet richly worked surfaces with pronounced textures. Kimsunken sought to investigate the relationship between the paint material and the passage of time, with an emphasis on raising physical matter to the height of the human spirit.
GJ Kimsunken (b. 1985, Seoul, South Korea) received his MFA from the New York Studio School of Drawing, Painting and Sculpture in 2010, and an BFA from the National Art School in Sydney, Australia in 2008. Kimsunken currently lives and works in New Jersey. His work has been featured in galleries and institutional exhibitions around the world.
|
|
Today's News
August 24, 2022
Museum of the Bible returns ancient gospel looted from Greek monastery
Once more into the vaults: Blondie on the music that defined its legacy
Bertoia's to auction long-held Bill and Stevie Weart antique toy collection in special Sept. 8-9 Signature Auction
The Vancouver Art Gallery presents 'Uninvited: Canadian Women Artists in the Modern Moment'
Cincinnati Art Museum rediscovers a national treasure in storage for more than 50 years
SF Camerawork to open new space in Fort Mason Center
John Hansard Gallery presents Tangled Hierarchy, curated by Jitish Kallat
Yi Gallery is presenting Figuration, an extraordinary body of new paintings by GJ Kimsunken
Katonah Museum of Art presents 'Tradition Interrupted'
Compton Verney examines and enjoys artists' use of colour
Marc Swanson's 'A Memorial to Ice at the Dead Deer Disco' on view at the Thomas Cole Site
ICA Miami launches new podcast series; Marine archeology, rising sea levels, in season one
Weatherspoon Art Museum announces summer exhibitions
Vienna Design Week 2022 to be held September 16-25
'Infinite Beauty' exhibition explores artists fascination with nature opens 9 September at The Arc, Winchester
University At Buffalo Art Galleries announce appointment of Anna Wager as Curator of Exhibitions
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art announces key appointments
SJ Auctioneers announces Silver, Collectibles, Toys & Décor auction
Getty Museum's YouTube Series Becoming Artsy returns
Kate Berlant can't hide any longer
1927-D Double Eagle, from Bob R. Simpson Collection, sells for record $4.44 million at Heritage US Coins Auction
The Native Land Conservancy selected as a beneficiary of the 35th Provincetown Swim for Life & Paddler Flotilla
Siblings Help You Stay Positive, Calm, & Happy
10 Times Fashion Designers Were Inspired by Art
4 world-famous artists you have to know about
Why should we hire professional contractors for HVAC installation and repair?
Grinch Costume
What Temp is Smoked Brisket Done?
Why You Should Hire Hamilton plumbing services - The Advantages!
|
|
|
|
|
Museums, Exhibits, Artists, Milestones, Digital Art, Architecture, Photography, Photographers, Special Photos, Special Reports, Featured Stories, Auctions, Art Fairs, Anecdotes, Art Quiz, Education, Mythology, 3D Images, Last Week, . |
|
|
|
Royalville Communications, Inc produces:
|
|
|
Tell a Friend
Dear User, please complete the form below in order to recommend the Artdaily newsletter to someone you know.
Please complete all fields marked *.
Sending Mail
Sending Successful
|
|