The highly anticipated premier solo show of renowned South Korean artist Ilhwa Kim is set to captivate audiences in San Francisco at the Maybaum Gallery. The exhibition will debut with an exclusive Artist Reception on February 6th from 5 PM to 7 PM, offering attendees the unique opportunity to engage with Kim’s mesmerizing paper compositions. Attendance is RSVP-only, ensuring an intimate experience with the artist and her work.
The Artist: Ilhwa Kim
Ilhwa Kim is celebrated for her pioneering technique, using tens of thousands of hand-dyed and meticulously rolled pieces of Hanji paper, a traditional Korean mulberry paper. These “seeds,” as the artist calls them, are assembled into intricate, layered compositions that transcend the boundaries of sculpture and painting.
Her acclaimed work has earned four major awards, including the Grand Art Prize and recognition in prestigious exhibitions globally. Kim’s pieces are held in the permanent collections of institutions like the Seongkok Museum and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul.
Her art has previously graced venues such as the Dennos Museum in Michigan, the Guangzhou Opera House in China, and the Gallery Hue in Singapore, making this solo debut in San Francisco a significant milestone in her international career.
About the Exhibition
Kim’s show invites viewers into a world of intricate, textural beauty, exploring themes of nature, sensory experience, and interconnectedness. Her vibrant works—composed of greens, blues, yellows, and pinks—combine organic and architectural elements. They evoke comparisons to aerial views of coral reefs or microscopic ecosystems, offering viewers an emotional connection to the natural world.
Key works on display include:
- Territorial Matter (rolled handmade paper on panel, 52 x 65 x 5 inches)
- Geographic Monument (handmade paper on panel, 65 x 52 x 5 inches)
- Bird Intelligence (handmade paper on panel, 36 x 48 x 5 inches)
- Birth of Tear (handmade paper on panel, 47 x 37 x 5 inches)
Each piece exemplifies her mastery of blending color, form, and texture to create a multidimensional sensory experience.
Gallery and Reception Details
- Opening Reception: February 6, 2025, from 5 PM to 7 PM
- Location: Maybaum Gallery, 49 Geary Street, Suite 416, San Francisco, CA
- Gallery Hours: Tuesdays – Saturdays, 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Visitors are encouraged to RSVP for the reception and explore Kim’s work during the gallery’s operating hours.
A Message from the Artist
“I create artworks that combine sculpture and painting to explore the richness, dynamism, and depth of sensory experience on canvas,” says Kim. “These layered, entangled, and ever-evolving sensory experiences, happening in a world defined by nature’s infinite possibilities, are what I strive to capture in my works.”
This exhibition represents a rare opportunity for art lovers in the Bay Area to experience Ilhwa Kim’s extraordinary creations up close.
For more information or to view her portfolio, visit Maybaum Gallery.
Meta Description: Experience the vibrant artistry of South Korean artist Ilhwa Kim at her premier solo show in San Francisco. Join the Artist Reception at Maybaum Gallery on February 6th, 2025.
