Creating New Traditions in Korean Ceramics

Kim Yikyung

World-renowned artist Kim Yikyung provided a memorable beginning to the sixth year of the Curator's Circle series. Her lecture coincided with the announcement that the Denver Art Museum will acquire three of her pieces, its first examples of contemporary Korean ceramics. Two of the additions to the collection were on display as Mrs. Kim spoke to the Curator's Circle audience. She promised to make the third upon her return to Korea.

Kim began her presentation by introducing her listeners to major cultural influences on art in her country. These important principles guide not only the vision and expression of artists, but also shape the expectations of viewers. Koreans believe that man and nature form a complete whole; for that reason, harmony with nature is valued above all. The beauty, wonder, and mystery of nature derive from the organic unity of all living things, great and small. Art is viewed in a similar way. Every aspect of a work contributes to its balance and harmony. Artist and viewer focus on the unity of elements and the cohesiveness of the whole, rather than on the individual parts.

It was clear from Kim's slides that these beliefs have played a major role in the development of her ceramic art. Her forms and surfaces are simple. Often she does not finish the exterior of her pottery, but allows its natural color and texture to be seen and appreciated. Glaze, if used, is minimal, and natural or white in color. On occasion, she has employed faceting or texturing as a decorative element on surfaces.

Members of the audience were astonished by the evolution of Kim's ceramic forms. Many early pieces were inspired by the vessel, tray, and lidded box forms of traditional Korean ceramics, but her interpretations of these classic objects were distinctive and stunning in their simplicity. A later series entitled "Temples for the Earth" is a significant departure from her previous work. These unusual rectangular creations engage the viewer with enclosed space, openings, and shadows. Her most recent work represents yet another dramatic innovation: she is now developing groups of large asymmetrical objects. With each group, she tries to balance the structural strength and energy of the forms to produce a harmonious whole. The works that the DAM has acquired exemplify this phase of her creativity.

Although she was not shy about identifying pieces that have earned her recognition, she was also candid about her technical challenges and experimental failures. She says, with great humility, "I am always learning."

The Denver audience also learned a great deal from Kim Yikyung. This remarkable artist has never stopped exploring the limits of her creativity and her craft. Her 45-year career shines with accomplishment due to a combination of tremendous determination and unceasing effort. Kim Yikyung seems richly deserving of her reputation as Korea's premier ceramic artist.

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