Park Yelim's Creative Process and Unique Techniques
Kimreeaa Gallery is pleased to present Park Yelim’s solo exhibition <On the Arc of Sounds> from March 14th to April 13th, 2024. Park Yelim captures the lyrical and dynamic energy found in nature and transfers it on paper using ink and sand. This exhibition invites viewers to stroll through the artist’s memories of the winds.
"I recalled the fragmented sound of the winds, pieced them together, and painted them. In doing so, I attempt to turn back time to those moments."
The artist places sand onto paper to create forms and textures through serendipity, then overlays ink on top using various techniques to visualize nature. As the sand repeatedly adheres to and falls from the paper, textures and shapes emerge serendipitously, gaining a deeper connection to the ever-changing nature. The powerful strokes painted with ink are transferred to the surface where the sand is fixed and convey the artist’s strength, speed, and even the tremulous touch. These aspects of Park Yelim’s paintings spark the imagination of the dynamic energy of nature that seems ready to leap beyond the canvas.
Brushstroke
In Park Yelim’s artistic practice, the artwork is expressed solely with ink, except for the parts where sand is used. The artist uses a technique where brushstrokes are painted on a glass plate and then transferred onto paper, capturing the original brushstroke form. This process reflects even the slightest tremble of the hand. The act of painting invokes a dynamic natural energy that feels like it could overflow at any moment, showcasing the power and speed of the artist's movements.
Park Yelim painting strokes using a custom tool
Paper
Park Yelim uses Hanji, a type of paper with flexible properties, for the paintings. When Hanji is used with an acrylic binder, the adhesive may cause the thin paper to detach and sand loss. To prevent this issue, the artist uses thicker paper, specifically Jangji. When using Sunji, a thin layer of sand is used to minimize paper damage. When using thinner paper like Hwasunji, the process of “Baejeop” is necessary to make the paper thick enough and maintain a smooth surface.
Park Yelim handling tryouts
Sand
Park Yelim applies adhesive to the paper and attaches sand by sprinkling it from above. To ensure a firm attachment of the sand on the canvas, the artist repeats the process of removing excessive sand and attaching sand again multiple times. Park Yelim’s artistic process also includes adjusting the concentration of the adhesive according to the type of sand and paper to achieve a smooth surface and reduce the risk of damage.
Park Yelim springkling sand on the surface where the adhesive is applied
Through the repetitive act of painting with ink on the surface of sand, Park Yelim discovers rich and varied facets of nature. The ink that seeps through the grains of sand captures nature serenely, and the physical properties of the canvas represent the wild surface of Mother Earth.
Exhibition installation view
Detail shot
Exhibition installation view
Exhibition installation view
Detail shot
Detail shot
Exhibition installation view
