Gyul E Kim “Synchronized Swimming”
From January 6th to January 27th, Roy Gallery is hosting a solo exhibition, Synchronized Swimming, featuring new works by artist Gyul E Kim. Synchronized Swimming will be on view at the gallery’s Apgujeong showroom from January 6th to January 27th.
“When I watch synchronized swimming, I feel a sense of alienation from the upturned feet walking on waves, and as such used these as symbols. I feel that this act is similar to how I perceive objects and transfer them onto the canvas.” – Gyul. E Kim
Stripping away the symbols that we regularly encounter with indifference, Kim depicts these signs as unreadable shapes on canvas. Rejecting the redefinability of norms of social 'symbols', Kim deviates by stripping them of their meaning and imbuing new identities.
The shapes in Kim’s works which originate from microscopic entities such as residue on walls and floors to crumbs and even dust are concise and illegible—creating a sense of unfamiliarity. Kim’s attempts to break the rectangular walls of the canvas’ fixed frame through physical deformity and perforation in conjunction with her lighthearted and idealized expressions excites the imagination.
These symbols which are subjective to individual interpretation remain indecipherable—ultimately freeing the viewer from the burdens of comprehension and allowing for enjoyment of the works.
Gyul. E Kim (1990, South Korea)
Gyul. E Kim earned her bachelor’s degree in Western painting at Sungkyukwan University and attained her master’s degree in art therapy at Ewah Womans University. She was selected as one of Artsy’s “Rising Artists of Asia & Its Diaspora.”
With Synchronized Swimming at ROY Gallery, Kim has participated in three solo exhibitions and over 10 group exhibitions—notably including 1st Homecoming Day at the Hangaram Art Museum in Seoul Arts Center.
2024.01.07.~2024.01.27. Roy Gallery Agujeong,
Gyul E Kim’s solo exhibition, Synchronized Swimming
