Bo Kim – Transforming Memories and Emotions into Art

Bo Kim (b.1994), a Seoul-based artist, is captivating with her meditative, minimalist art. Through her paintings, she explores the beauty of imperfection and the concept of impermanence — both of which are deeply rooted in Korean traditional culture and Buddhism. I’m particularly fond of two of her series, which I’d like to share in this article.

The core of the series ‘When Light is Put Away‘, lies in her meditative method of cutting out hanji – a traditional Korean paper made from the inner bark of the mulberry tree – and layering it with sand on the canvas. Her act of painting on the first layer of hanji represents her recording of vivid memories of the day, where color gradually softens and lightens as it seeps over time. The added layers of the thin and delicately textured hanji create a foggy and washed-away effect, reflecting the fading nature of memories and emotions.

In the works of the second series, which I want to share in this article, she celebrates the concept of imperfection. “The characteristics of incompleteness and decay which materialize in my paintings evoke the core Buddhist practice of accepting impermanence”, she says about the series.

Bo Kim seeks to produce a relaxing space for viewers to reflect on their emotions and find serenity and peace. Through her art, she encourages us to embrace impermanence and the beauty of imperfection and to take a moment to reflect on the fragility of life.

Minimalist Painting from the series 'Imperfection'.
Imperfection 32, Hanji, nature paste, and sand on panel. From the series ‘Imperfection’.
Minimalist Paintings by Bo Kim
Detail of Imperfection 32, Hanji, nature paste, and sand on panel. From the series ‘Imperfection’.
Minimalist Paintings by Bo Kim
Imperfection 22, 2020, Hanji, soil, sand, and acrylic on panel, 162 × 112 cm. From the series ‘Imperfection’.

I have a daily routine of recording emotions and thoughts through writing and photographs, when I translate these into canvases, I think of it as engraving these thoughts and feelings upon my mind.

Bo Kim about her works (via Francis Gallery)
Minimalist Painting from the series 'Imperfection'.
Imperfection 1, 2018, Hanji and sand on panel, 183 × 122 cm. From the series ‘Imperfection’.
Minimalist Paintings by Bo Kim
Through the Window, 2021, Hanji, sand, acrylic on canvas, 162 × 112 cm. From the series ‘When Light is Put Away’.
Minimalist Paintings by Bo Kim
Imperfection 2, Hanji, soil, sand and acrylic on panel. From the series ‘Imperfection’.
Minimalist Paintings by Bo Kim
Memories always start around midnight, 2022, Hanji, Sand and acrylic on canvas, 100 × 100 cm. From the series ‘When Light is Put Away’.
Minimalist Paintings by Bo Kim
In the Late Morning, 2021, Hanji, sand, acrylic on canvas, 92 × 74 cm. From the series ‘When Light is Put Away’.
Minimalist Paintings by Bo Kim
Imperfection 16, Hanji, soil, sand and acrylic on panel. From the series ‘Imperfection’.

Further Reading

http://bokim-art.com/

https://www.artsy.net/artist/bo-kim-b-1994/works-for-sale

https://galeriebhak.com/?p=artist-detail&id=222

Aesence is an independent art and design publication dedicated to minimalist aesthetics. Founded out of a deep appreciation and fascination, Aesence strives to be an inspiring, informative and truly useful resource for its readers.