Ilhwa Kim | A History of Surfaces: Violation, Adaptation and Sudden Growth

01 - 15 October 2026
  • “I create my own version of seeds, gathering all the materials from scratch.

    Using my tiny seeds, I bring a lifelike creature into being. It generates unique surfaces that are simultaneously young and old, physical and emotional, geographic and spiritual.

    These surfaces begin to quarrel, betray, grow, and create their own history. Once they thicken into layers of wild timelines, an unexpected real-world reality plays out and grows upon the geographic surface. ” - Ilhwa Kim

    • Ilhwa Kim Dominant Courtship, 2026 Hand dyed Hanji paper 120 x 120 x 13 cm 47 1/4 x 47 1/4 x 5 1/8 in
      Ilhwa Kim
      Dominant Courtship, 2026
      Hand dyed Hanji paper
      120 x 120 x 13 cm
      47 1/4 x 47 1/4 x 5 1/8 in
    • Ilhwa Kim Birth of Sorrow, 2026 Hand-dyed Hanji Paper 119 x 93 x 13 cm 46 7/8 x 36 5/8 x 5 1/8 in
      Ilhwa Kim
      Birth of Sorrow, 2026
      Hand-dyed Hanji Paper
      119 x 93 x 13 cm
      46 7/8 x 36 5/8 x 5 1/8 in
    • Ilhwa Kim The end of a brush stroke, 2026 Hand dyed Hanji paper 120 x 120 x 13 cm 47 1/4 x 47 1/4 x 5 1/8 in
      Ilhwa Kim
      The end of a brush stroke, 2026
      Hand dyed Hanji paper
      120 x 120 x 13 cm
      47 1/4 x 47 1/4 x 5 1/8 in
  • Consistency becomes the defining force in Ilhwa Kim’s practice, as she exemplifies the art of patience in every phase of her execution. Her work draws the viewer into a meditative state, shaped by a commanding interplay of precision, spatial depth, and perceptual complexity. Through this dominant perspective, she crafts elusive imagery that invites individual interpretation, offering each observer a unique visual journey. 

    • Ilhwa Kim The Conductor, 2026 Hand dyed Hanji paper 164 x 132 x 13 cm 64 5/8 x 52 x 5 1/8 in
      Ilhwa Kim
      The Conductor, 2026
      Hand dyed Hanji paper
      164 x 132 x 13 cm
      64 5/8 x 52 x 5 1/8 in
    • Ilhwa Kim Conversion Moment, 2025 Hand dyed Hanji paper 119 x 93 x 13 cm 46 7/8 x 36 5/8 x 5 1/8 in
      Ilhwa Kim
      Conversion Moment, 2025
      Hand dyed Hanji paper
      119 x 93 x 13 cm
      46 7/8 x 36 5/8 x 5 1/8 in
    • Ilhwa Kim Birth of a Tree, 2026 Hand dyed Hanji paper 132 x 164 x 13 cm 52 x 64 5/8 x 5 1/8 in
      Ilhwa Kim
      Birth of a Tree, 2026
      Hand dyed Hanji paper
      132 x 164 x 13 cm
      52 x 64 5/8 x 5 1/8 in
    • Ilhwa Kim The Last Pianism, 2025 Acrylic and Paper 162 x 130 cm 63 3/4 x 51 1/8 in
      Ilhwa Kim
      The Last Pianism, 2025
      Acrylic and Paper
      162 x 130 cm
      63 3/4 x 51 1/8 in
    • Ilhwa Kim Voice Quartet, 2025 Hand-dyed Hanji Paper 119 x 93 x 13 cm 46 7/8 x 36 5/8 x 5 1/8 in
      Ilhwa Kim
      Voice Quartet, 2025
      Hand-dyed Hanji Paper
      119 x 93 x 13 cm
      46 7/8 x 36 5/8 x 5 1/8 in
    • Ilhwa Kim Cezannian Balance , 2025 Hand-dyed Hanji Paper 119 x 93 x 13 cm 46 7/8 x 36 5/8 x 5 1/8 in
      Ilhwa Kim
      Cezannian Balance , 2025
      Hand-dyed Hanji Paper
      119 x 93 x 13 cm
      46 7/8 x 36 5/8 x 5 1/8 in
  • The interplay and materiality of seeds on the canvas evokes a peculiar life presence, reminiscent of biological organisms that are still in growth. This interaction between the material elements and the essence of life creates an intriguing space on the surface of the artwork.

  • More About the Artist