Kim Whanki's "Untitled" to Be Auctioned at K Auction...Estimated Price Up to 2 Billion Won

Cheon Kyungja's "Woman of Java" Estimated at 330 Million to 600 Million Won
Park Seobo's "Ecriture" Estimated at 400 Million to 600 Million Won
Kim Whanki's "Untitled" Estimated at 750 Million to 2 Billion Won

A solitary circle, reminiscent of the moon in the night sky, sits against a field of blue. The color bands at the top and bottom of the canvas provide structural stability, while their delicate textures evoke the feeling of traditional Korean textiles or embroidery, stirring an Eastern sensibility. This work stands as a record of deep contemplation, illustrating a philosophical journey that explores existence and nature, as well as the relationship between humanity and the universe. Kim Whanki's "Untitled" (1969), which was exhibited at the "10th Anniversary Memorial Exhibition of Kim Whanki" at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in 1984, is estimated to fetch between 750 million and 2 billion won at auction. In addition, five other works, including "5-II-68 III" and "Sanwol," will be up for auction.

Kim Whanki's "Untitled" (1969). Courtesy of K Auction

A woman dressed in traditional Indonesian attire is seated within the painting. The interplay of green and gold creates an exotic and mysterious atmosphere. The contrast between the red and ochre background accentuates the presence of the figure and adds depth to the vitality of the woman. Focusing on psychological expression and emphasizing inner strength beneath an outward softness, Cheon Kyungja's "Woman of Java" (1986) has been listed for auction at K Auction. The estimated price is between 330 million and 600 million won.

Cheon Kyungja's "Woman of Java" (1924?2015). K Auction

The October auction at K Auction headquarters in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, will be held at 4 p.m. on the 29th, featuring a total of 88 works valued at approximately 10.6 billion won. Works by leading artists of Korean abstract art, including Kim Whanki's "Untitled" and Cheon Kyungja's "Woman of Java," as well as pieces by Yun Hyongkeun, Park Seobo, Ha Chonghyun, and Lee Ufan, will be presented. Internationally renowned works by Robert Indiana, Roy Lichtenstein, Nam June Paik, and Frank Stella will also be traded.

Lee Ufan's "With the Wind". Provided by K Auction

Seven works by Lee Ufan, including "With the Wind S8708-5," "From the Wind," and "Correspondence," will be seeking new owners. Park Seobo's "Ecriture No. 150218" (estimated at 420 million to 670 million won) and "Ecriture No. 051120," Ha Chonghyun's "Conjunction 20-64," Yun Hyongkeun's "Umber-Blue," and Chung Changsup's "Mukgo No. 91110" all demonstrate an aesthetic that explores the spiritual realm beyond the material through repetitive acts akin to meditation. Lee Kun-Yong's "Bodyscape 76-1-2021" and Nam Chunmo's "Stroke-Lines 22-46," which capture the moment when action becomes painting through traces of lines created by bodily movement and rhythm, will also be up for auction. Four works by Kim Tschangyeul, who is currently the subject of a retrospective at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, will be presented as well.

Robert Indiana's "LOVE (Red/Blue)" epitomizes the essence of Pop Art, while Mel Bochner's "What Were You Thinking?" uses words themselves as sculptural material, revealing the "materiality of language." George Condo's "Radiant Person" and Robert Longo's "Dancing Trio I" and "Dancing Trio II" present ways in which the post-Pop generation reinterprets the human psyche and social imagery. Works by contemporary European artists such as Sandro Chia and Enzo Cucchi further showcase the diversity of contemporary art, traversing language, emotion, and symbol.

The preview, where visitors can view the auction pieces in person before the auction, will be held at the K Auction exhibition hall from the 18th through the auction day on the 29th. During the preview period, the exhibition hall will be open daily without closure, and viewing is free and does not require a reservation. Those wishing to participate in the auction can do so by joining K Auction as a member and bidding in writing, on-site, by phone, or through online live bidding. Membership registration is free. On the day of the auction, October 29, anyone can attend the auction regardless of membership status.