Kim Bohie

Painter

Kim Bohie, a prominent figurative painter, has continued to explore bringing modernity to Korean painting through her exquisite visual languages that she has developed while researching the traditional styles of Korean and Western paintings. Kim Bohie delicately expresses beauty and purity of nature closely observed in daily life such as plants, gardens, seas, and surrounding sceneries. Embracing the composition and perspective of Western painting, she continues to work on an organic combination of each element in her work by accepting Eastern approaches that emphasize vividness and harmony.
I chose her for her unique style and profound emotional expression. She poetically conveys feelings and experiences from everyday life, drawing empathy through her meticulous detail and emotional touches. Her artworks beautifully capture ordinary moments that can easily be overlooked, unfolding the stories within them in a touching manner. Additionally, as a professor at a women's university, she empowers female artists to establish their presence in the art world, successfully reinterpreting traditional techniques through a modern lens. Her work reflects women's voices and experiences, providing inspiration to young artists.

Biography Kim Bohie is a South Korean painter born in 1952 in Seoul. She blends traditional Korean painting techniques with Western art styles, showcasing her unique approach to natural beauty. Educated at Ewha Womans University, she has held about 20 solo exhibitions since the 1980s, and her work is housed in various art institutions, including the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea. Currently, she is active in Jeju Island, focusing on expressing the beauty of nature.
Work Towards, 2008, Color on Korean Paper, 120 × 90cm

The Terrace, 2019, Color on canvas, 324.0 x 520.0cm, (8 pcs)

Towards, 2017, Color on Fabric, 180.0 x 280.0cm

Jungmoon Street 201908, 2019, Color on canvas, 130.0 x 162.0cm

Jungmoon Blue Night, 2017, Color on canvas, 300.0 x 150.0cm
Analysis Kim Bohie’s artwork seamlessly blends traditional Korean painting techniques with contemporary themes, drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of Jeju Island. Using traditional pigments mixed with gelatin and water, she achieves a warm, layered effect in her paintings. Influenced by the philosophies of Joseon-era literati painters, her work explores both personal and external landscapes, encouraging viewers to reflect on the relationship between humanity and nature. Her recent series, "The Seeds," symbolizes life and potential, highlighting themes of creation and renewal. Through her art, Kim fosters gratitude for the natural world, inviting deeper appreciation for its mysteries.

kimbohie.com

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