Today I wanna share one of my fav korean artist Kim Ok:)
Chapter 1: Introduction of Artist Kim Ok
Kim Ok is an artist who has been pioneering the application of our traditional culture, lacquerwork, as an art form rather than a finishing material since 2000 years ago. Her mystical creations, achieved through the passionate dedication inherited from craftsmen and a process that requires thousands, if not tens of thousands, of repetitions, never fail to evoke deep emotions. She is a trailblazer in finding ways for tradition to remain relevant in contemporary times. The stone pagodas one encounters at the village entrance or temple gates are towers of hope, imbued with the wishes of passersby.
Kim Ok's work is born from these earnest sentiments. Composed of large and small cylindrical forms, her objects can transform into chairs or low tables, much like natural formations adapting to their users. When these scattered pieces are stacked together like building a tower, they become exquisite sculptures in their own right. Kim Ok applies lacquer to these mystical stone pagodas, imbuing them with the hues of devotion to the divine and the passage of time. The clusters of colors, akin to the aurora, shimmer brilliantly. The artist aptly named this work the 'Merge Series', as it encompasses not only the hopes and dreams of people, but also her own aspirations.
Chapter 2: Kim Ok's Artistic Journey
Kim Ok's journey as an artist began relatively late. After majoring in pottery and woodworking at Busan Crafts High School and Busan University, she temporarily pursued unrelated endeavors. From working in the overseas sales department of a domestic fashion brand to teaching English at an academy, she eventually entered graduate school after crossing the threshold of her thirties. "It took me a long time to commit to living as an artist. It actually gave me some tenacity. Even when I had no money, I didn't worry much," she chuckles. Under the guidance of Professor Choi Byeong-hoon, a pioneer in the field of Korean art furniture at Hongik University's graduate school, Kim Ok acquired the art of lacquerwork from the first master lacquer artisan in Seoul, Son Dae-hyun.
Why lacquer, of all things? "In my twenties, when I was wandering, I wasn't good at sticking with anything. Can I say I was disappointed in myself? This time, I had a determination never to give up. I had a longing for lacquerwork, which I had been interested in since my undergraduate years, wondering what I could have that I could build up over a long period of time." While learning lacquerwork for three years from artisan Son Dae-hyun at the 'Course' program operated by the Cultural Heritage Administration, Kim Ok dedicated herself wholeheartedly to the work, even staying overnight at the workshop in Gongju.
Chapter 3: The Enigmatic World of Lacquerwork
Lacquerwork, found exclusively in the East Asian cultural sphere, has been developing in Korea for about 2000 years, thanks to its ability to protect objects from moisture, fire, and decay. While it has primarily been used for tableware due to its functional properties, its forms and expressions are boundless. Lacquer is applied to a form made of clay or styrofoam, then coated with layers of paper mulberry and subjected to a peeling process, creating various shapes. It can also be expressed with mother-of-pearl, much like Najeonchilgi. "It was fascinating. I repeatedly attempted to use lacquer as an expressive material rather than a finishing material. It's an excellent paint that, unlike oil or acrylic paints, has a unique shimmer, color, and saturation. It shines with a brilliance reminiscent of the aurora," she says. To capture the shimmer and glimmer of water, Kim Ok devotes a significant amount of time to this process.
Chapter 4: Kim Ok's Ongoing Journey
Kim Ok's work received positive responses not only at the 2018 Milan Furniture Fair but also at last year's Design Miami/Basel. The process of participating in these exhibitions was quite dramatic. At the time, she received a direct invitation from Jillian Choi, the director of Design Miami, and prepared for the exhibition entirely on her own, without support from cultural foundations or other organizations. It was an opportunity created by a small dose of courage and a fortunate connection. "When I visited Tongdosa in Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do, before my graduation exhibition in 2016, I saw the stone pagodas and the well, and I thought, 'This is it.' The old well, the fallen leaves underneath, the ripples and glimmer of water..." The stone pagodas filled with the hearts of countless visitors and the fallen leaves that have faded and accumulated over time led Kim Ok to believe that everything is interconnected. She painstakingly devotes herself to capturing this subtle glimmer and the play of light.based on that wrte why I like her art
🌟 Why Kim Ok 's Art Captivates Me 🌟
Innovation with Tradition: Kim Ok is recognized for redefining traditional lacquerwork, turning it from a utilitarian finishing material into a contemporary art form. This innovative approach demonstrates her ability to bridge the past with the present.
Emotional Impact: Her creations evoke deep emotions in viewers. This could be due to the passion and dedication she pours into her work, as well as the thousands of repetitions involved in her process.
Relevance in Contemporary Times: Kim Ok's ability to make tradition relevant in today's world is commendable. She finds ways to incorporate ancient techniques into contemporary art, making her work resonate with modern audiences.
Transformative Nature of Art: Her objects have a transformative quality, able to shift from functional pieces like chairs or low tables to sculptural forms. This adaptability mirrors the natural world's ability to adjust to its users.
Symbolism and Meaning: Kim Ok's work draws from the symbolism of stone pagodas, which are seen as towers of hope imbued with the wishes of passersby. By applying lacquer to these forms, she adds layers of meaning, representing devotion and the passage of time.
Merge Series: The artist's 'Merge Series' captures not only the hopes and dreams of people but also her own aspirations. This series showcases her ability to infuse her work with personal and collective sentiments.
Dedication and Perseverance: Kim Ok's artistic journey began later than most, and she faced challenges along the way. Her determination and tenacity are evident in her commitment to lacquerwork, even during times when resources were limited.
Appreciation for Lacquerwork: Kim Ok's interest in lacquerwork dates back to her undergraduate years. She saw it as a medium she could develop and build upon over a long period of time.
Unique Aesthetic: She appreciates lacquerwork for its unique shimmer, color, and saturation, qualities that set it apart from other types of paint like oil or acrylic. The brilliance of lacquerwork, akin to the aurora, captivates her.
Connection to Nature and Heritage: Her inspiration comes from natural elements like fallen leaves and the play of light on water, as well as the ancient stone pagodas. She believes in the interconnectedness of everything, and this philosophy is reflected in her work.
김옥(OKKIMSTUDIO)
https://www.instagram.com/OKKIMSTUDIO/
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Contemporary Art | Ok Kim
Okkim is Seoul based artist specialized in contemporary art and sculptural furniture. Her work utilizes Korean ottchil - a natural lacquer material and technique- with a contemporary twist marked by bold and sculptural forms.
www.okkimstudio.com
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