©Whanki Foundation·Whanki Museum

Whanki in New York
May 2nd – June 13th, 2024
Opening Reception: Thursday, May 2, 6-8 pm (kindly RSVP) 

The Korean Cultural Center New York is proud to present a special exhibition, Whanki in New York, commemorating the pivotal years of pioneering abstract artist Kim Whanki (1913-1974), who established his artistic legacy during his transformative time in New York. This exhibition pays tribute to his profound impact on abstract art 50 years after his passing.

This retrospective is uniquely significant in that it not only features 27 original artworks on loan from the Whanki Museum but also, for the first time, showcases private collections from New York acquaintances of Kim Whanki and his wife. Moreover, LG Electronics presents five digital artworks that reinterpret Kim’s creative universe through cutting-edge technology. These innovative pieces, crafted by emerging media artists using LG OLED screens as their medium, include crucial works from his New York period in the 1970s.

This exhibition delves deeply into Kim Whanki’s New York era, showcasing not only his artworks but also personal items such as diaries, photographs, and letters that offer a glimpse into his creative process. Specifically focusing on his works on paper—selected by the Whanki Museum as representative of his artistic breadth—the exhibit highlights his experimentations with different mediums such as The New York Times and traditional Korean hanji paper and underscores his meticulous efforts that defined his legacy. This retrospective serves as a meaningful reminder of Kim Whanki’s status as an undisputed trailblazer of Korean abstract art, reconnecting audiences with his legacy half a century after his final days in New York.

In the spirit of Kim’s own reflections, as noted in his diary from July 2, 1968, this exhibition encourages viewers to approach his works with new perspectives: “An artist must always be wary of being trapped by conventional views. One should always approach their work with fresh eyes, as if seeing it for the first time.” KCCNY invites audiences to experience the enduring resonance of his artistic spirit and rediscover his contributions to the world of art, reflecting on the timeless nature of his creations and the ongoing influence they hold.

To RSVP to the opening and learn more, click here.