FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MARCH 2016
PO KIM: ABSTRACTION BEYOND BORDERS EXAMINES TRANSCULTURAL INFLUENCES IN KOREAN-AMERICAN ARTIST PO KIM’S EARLY ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONIST WORK
(New York, NY)—The Sylvia Wald & Po Kim Art Gallery is pleased to announce the exhibition Po Kim: Abstraction Beyond Borders, 1955-1970, from Friday March 11 to Saturday May 14, 2016. This is the first major U.S. exhibition in several years to focus on the early Abstract Expressionist work of the renowned Korean-American artist, Po Kim (1917-2014).
Po Kim, Untitled_1958_02, 1958, oil on linen, 60 x 72 inches
Po Kim emigrated to the U.S. from Korea in 1955, eventually moving to New York, where he became immersed in Abstract Expressionism. There, he developed a highly personal and nuanced style of abstraction indebted to the movement, while maintaining discernible connections to his Korean cultural heritage. As one of the earliest and most impactful Korean-American Abstract Expressionists, and one of the few Asian artists showing in New York at that time, Kim’s early work epitomizes the movement’s multiculturalism.
Po Kim, Abstract 236, 1961-62, oil on paper, 18.5 x 24 inches
Abstract Expressionism, often characterized as the first truly “American” school of art, can also be seen as a reflection of the cultural melting pot of Post-War America. “The movement was much more international than is generally understood, and it was a crucible of creativity for many international artists,” says Dr. Marshall N. Price, curator of the exhibition. “Po Kim’s long career provides an illuminating look at the transcultural nature of mid-century abstraction in the United States.”
“We are delighted to present this exhibition which examines the cross-cultural influences found in Po Kim’s early Abstract Expressionist work,” says Young Cho, President of the Sylvia Wald & Po Kim Art Gallery. “It epitomizes the foundation’s intercultural focus and provides a perfect launch for our extensive plans to expand the gallery’s activities and programming.”
Po Kim, Cantor, 1955-56, oil on canvas, 40 x 50 inches
Po Kim: Abstraction Beyond Borders, 1955-1970 presents more than 30 paintings and works on paper by the Korean-American master and will be on view at The Sylvia Wald & Po Kim Art Gallery, 417 Lafayette Street 4th Floor, NYC, until May 14, 2016. The exhibition has been curated by Dr. Marshall N. Price, Nancy Hanks Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University.
About the Sylvia Wald and Po Kim Art Gallery
The Sylvia Wald and Po Kim Art Gallery, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was founded by Korean-born American artist Po Kim and his wife, American artist Sylvia Wald. In addition to preserving, maintaining and perpetuating the legacy of the founders’ uniquely accomplished artistic careers, the foundation aims to promote East-West cultural harmony through the arts by sponsoring and hosting temporary art exhibitions and other artistic events of established and emerging artists.
Founded in 2005, the organization began facilitating public access to the studios of Sylvia Wald and Po Kim and to their art works. The organization’s programs incorporate the working studios and the roof top garden of Sylvia Wald and Po Kim, also part of the gallery’s 417 Lafayette Street location. By working together with national and international artists and institutions, the organization aims to provide a catalyst for deeper intercultural dialogue between the diverse community of New York and the artistic communities of the world.
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NOTE TO EDITORS:
Exhibition: Po Kim: Abstraction Beyond Borders, 1955-1970
Venue: Sylvia Wald & Po Kim Art Gallery
Date: March 11 – May 14, 2016
Opening times: 11am-6pm, Tuesday thru Saturday
Inquiries: 212.598.1155
For further information and high-resolution images, please contact:
Sylvia Wald & Po Kim Art Gallery
417 Lafayette Street 4th Floor
New York, NY 10003
Tel: 212.598.1155
Email: info@waldandkimgallery.org
For media inquiries:
Ann Thurmond, Assistant Director
