Kim Whanki's "Spring" Unveiled for the First Time Since 1975 Retrospective
Numerous Unreleased Works Presented
Lee Joongsup's "Democratic Accusation" and Raehyun Park's "Women" Included
Auction to Be Held at 4 PM on the 20th at K Auction Headquarters in Sinsa-dong
Kim Whanki's "Spring" has broken a long silence to appear before the public through K Auction's August auction. This marks the first time in about 50 years since it was last shown at the "Kim Whanki Retrospective" held at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Deoksugung in December 1975. "Spring" is considered to have significant rarity and artistic value, being similar in artistic quality to Kim Whanki's "Women and Jar," a representative piece from the Lee Kunhee Collection. Additionally, the physical works of Lee Joongsup's "Democratic Accusation" and Raehyun Park's "Women" are being unveiled to the public for the first time.
Kim Whanki's "Spring" Appears After 50 Years... Auction Starting Price Set at 2 Billion KRW
The "Spring" piece up for auction is one of around 120 works exhibited at the Kim Whanki Retrospective held at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in 1975, in honor of Kim Whanki, who passed away in New York in July 1974. It is regarded as an outstanding work that well encapsulates the artistry of Kim Whanki, a pioneer of Korean abstract art with significant international stature. Created between 1956 and 1957, the piece is a transitional work that blends traditional motifs such as plum blossoms, flower carts, and the moon with the abstract forms from his Paris period. Rather than emphasizing a particular subject, the work is characterized by the harmonious arrangement of various objects, expressing a painterly rhythm and visual delight. It shows a high degree of similarity in production period, subject matter, and composition to "Women and Jar," a representative piece from the Lee Kunhee Collection. The auction will start at 2 billion KRW.
Lee Joongsup's "Democratic Accusation" Physically Unveiled for the First Time
The physical work of Lee Joongsup's "Democratic Accusation" is being unveiled for the first time. This piece is one of four cover illustrations for poet Ku Sang's 1953 social criticism book "Democratic Accusation," and until now, it has only been known through archival images. This is the first time the original work is being shown. The painting criticizes the arbitrary exercise of power and authoritarian oppression by the Syngman Rhee administration after liberation, as well as the contradictions within the social structure. Lee Joongsup created the piece at Ku Sang's request to design the cover for "Democratic Accusation," but it was not ultimately used as the book's cover. Instead, it was later used as a cover illustration for another of Ku Sang's books. The unveiling of this work, which until now existed only in records, is drawing attention. The estimated price is between 120 million and 200 million KRW.
Raehyun Park's "Women"..."A Masterpiece Expressing the Joy of Liberation with Feminine Delicacy"
There is also growing interest in "Women" by Park Raehyun, known as Uhhyang, which expresses the joy and excitement of liberation with a delicate feminine touch. The piece was introduced at her solo exhibition held in June 1946 at the third floor gallery of Donghwa Department Store. The white hanbok, blue jeogori, and the dynamically fluttering Taegeukgi vividly convey Park Raehyun's unique sense of color and the vibrancy of an outdoor scene. On May 29, 1946, the Jayu Newspaper described Park Raehyun as a "talented female artist," and praised her work as "a masterpiece expressing the joy of liberation with a feminine and delicate touch." Aside from being included in the 1997 Samsung Foundation of Culture catalog "Korean Artist Park Raehyun," it has not been shown to the public until now. The estimated price is between 17 million and 120 million KRW.
Works Featuring Rich and Vibrant Colors
This auction shines a spotlight on the language of vibrant colors. Jonghak Kim's "Summer Landscape" captures the essence of summer with bold and lively primary colors, depicting blue mountains, sky, and the radiant energy of nature. Daewon Lee's "Sea" conveys the freshness, sense of liberation, relaxation, and romance of the open sea through deep and rich blue tones. Kim Whanki's "Mountain and Moon" presents a tranquil composition of blue mountains and the moon, simple yet profound. Anchanghong's "Poppy Hill" captures the vitality and freedom of midsummer fields with intense colors, powerfully visualizing the emotions of the hot season. Additionally, Yobaek Kang's "Jocheon" conveys the mysterious and calm moment of the dawn sea through rich tones and delicate brushwork.
The auction pieces can be previewed at the K Auction exhibition hall until the 20th. Admission is free and does not require a reservation. Participation in the auction is possible after registering for a free K Auction membership, and can be done via written bid, in-person bidding, phone, or online live bidding. The auction on the 20th is open for public viewing regardless of membership registration.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
