ARTISTS / Gyu Kim
Gyu Kim (b. 1977) was born in Korea. After obtaining a degree in Materials Engineering from Hongik University (2001) and a Master of Arts and Philosophy from Ewha Womans University (2004), she went on to study design in France at École supérieure d'art de Rueil-Malmaison (2008) and L’ecole blue in Paris (2011).
Kim creates the "New Wood Era" series of moon jars that combine wood and porcelain to form an unusual natural connection. Trees are one of the most symbolic items in nature, representing the central axis, life, and abundance. The texture of the wood and the shape of the moon jar are perfectly integrated in the artwork, showing a unique aesthetic and a deep sense of awe. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, displaying the personality and vitality of the wood, highlighting the artist's unique ideas about materials, and her respect for nature.
About this very exhibition, she said: “My work explores the value of objects made in nature; under the theme of the ‘New Wooden Age’, it is conducting sculpting work based on the motive of earthenware and the shape of moon. For this exhibition at Touch Gallery, I prepared a wooden jar in the shape of the moon. The moon, which always conveys imagination and hope for change to mankind, is translated as a tree. At the same time, I hope you will feel the soft and warm texture of the wood in the shape of the moon.”
Education:
2008 - 2011 L’ecole blue / design completed (France, Paris)
2007 - 2008 École supérieure d’art de Rueil-Malmaison (France, Rueil-Malmaison)
2001 - 2004 Graduate School of Ewha Womans University / Master of Arts and Philosophy (Seoul, Korea)
1996 - 2001 Hongik University / Material Engineering (Seoul, Korea)
Solo exhibition:
2022 “The objects of memory”, Jeongok Prehistory Museum, Yeoncheon, South Korea
2020 “New wooden age”, Gallery Dandy, Seoul, South Korea
2019 “New wooden age_ch.1”, KCDF Gallery, Seoul, South Korea
“Moon, Face LUNE, VISAGE”, Bukchon Hanok Hall, Seoul, South Korea
Group exhibition:
2023 "New Moon Rising: A Contemporary Tale", Touch Ceramics, Hong Kong
“matter and meaning”, Ngallary
2022 “Transcending Time”, Han collection, London, UK
“The drawing_Fundamental”, Gallery Grimson, Seoul, South Korea
“Sum, Gyeol”, 2-person exhibition, LaHeen Gallery, Seoul, South Korea
“L.E.A.P” Team Event. Gallery Grimson, Seoul, South Korea
2021 “ART369”, Platform L, Art Place
Team Event, Seoul Auction Gangnam Center, Seoul, South Korea
“InFlux”, team competition, Baik Art Gallery, Los Angeles, US
“Aesthetic of Materials; Soil and Tree” group exhibition, Gallery Grimson, Seoul, South Korea
“Sharing Daily Life: Onyang Awards” Special Exhibition, Onyang Folklore Museum Gujeong Art Center, South Korea
Onyang Awards: Craft Exhibition, Onyang Folk Museum Window, South Korea
“Takaoka International Crafts Contest Tour, Takaoka Art Museum, Takaoka, Japan
“Toyama International Crafts Competition”, the Toyama Museum of Art and Design, Toyama, Japan
“Like a Tree: Kang Minsoo x Kim Kyu”. The Hyundai, YTO x LaHeen, Seoul, South Korea
“Right Here, Now”, award show, gallery Grimson, Seoul, South Korea
2020 Narrative Structure Group Exhibition, Gallery Mass art Plastique, Seoul, South Korea
“From Matter to Object” group exhibition, BKID, Seoul, South Korea
“The Origin of the Moon”, TWL Handle With Care, Seoul, South Korea
2019 “Mass & Volume” group exhibition, Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Seoul, South Korea
“Minimal Stool” group exhibition, Sinchon Salon, Seoul, South Korea
Art Fair and Biennale:
2021 Jeju Art Design Festa, Campus Tree Hotel & Resort Invitation
Jeonnam International Sumuk Biennale, Sochigi Memorial Hall
Asia Hotel Art Fair (AHAF), Park Hyatt Busan, Studio ECKE
2020 KCDF Craft Trend Fair, Gallery Dandy
Daegu Art Fair, Lean Art Project
Art Busan Fair, LaHeen Gallery
2019 International Craft Contest Group Exhibition, Cheongju Craft Biennale
KCDF Craft Trend Fair, Gallery Dandy
2016 KCDF Craft Trend Fair
<<Awards>>
2021 Onyang Award for Encouragement of Craft Competition Winner of the
Gallery Grimson New Artist Contest
2020 Seoul Cultural Headquarters Museum and New Artist Support Selection Winner
Toyama International Craft Awards International KOGEI award in Toyama Finalist
2019 Cheongju International Craft Biennale Competition (Cheongju)