This fall, Solbam is proud to present the mesmerizing work of artist Eunjoo Kim in collaboration with PEYTO Gallery. Kim's artistry, which captures the interplay of countless lights using graphite, will be showcased in a special exhibition that merges nature's beauty with artistic expression.
At Solbam, our deep appreciation for the beauty of nature is what drives us, and it's this shared passion that has brought us together with Seoul's PEYTO Gallery to create a unique space this season. Established in December 2021, PEYTO Gallery is a cultural haven for art enthusiasts, named after a lake in Banff, Canada. Just as the gallery is committed to offering art that leaves a lasting impression, this fall, it will present Eunjoo Kim's remarkable works through our collaboration.
Kim eun ju, Quietly Draw a Flower, 2018, pencil on paper, 100x80cm
Infinity in Graphite
Eunjoo Kim, born in 1965 and based in Busan, South Korea, uses the humble pencil to create extraordinary, large-scale pieces. Her labor-intensive process reflects the cyclical nature of life, as she meticulously draws each line. The graphite, which at first appears to be a simple black medium, reveals a reflective quality that glimmers like mirrors, and the smooth flow of her pencil mimics brushstrokes. Through the spectrum of light, her works subtly embrace vibrant, rainbow-like colors. The viewer's movement plays a crucial role, breathing life into each piece.
Kim eun ju, Draw a picture-230115, 2023, pencil on paper, 122x172cm
Kim's works often evoke a sense of ritualistic dedication, with the painstaking process evident in the finished pieces. A standout in her "Painting Flowers" series transforms traditional woodcuts, capturing not just the visible flower but also the invisible wind that moves behind it.
As art critic Ahn Hyun-jung notes, “Eunjoo Kim’s work may appear from a distance like a dense ink painting emphasizing the unadorned effect, but up close, it reveals a profound commitment to the basics, drawn meticulously with pencils on paper. Her aerial perspective drawing seems to express the boundless energy of life through overlapping lines that transcend shape and meaning. Rather than focusing on specific objects, she invites viewers to engage with the essence of nature itself. The rhythmic monochrome of her work, whether large or small, embodies the passage of time and the artist’s own journey. In the limitless expanses of graphite, we are invited to meditate on life’s past and present.”
A Journey in Pencil
For over 30 years, Eunjoo Kim has been dedicated to the art of drawing. She recalls how the simple act of drawing, a habit from her graduate school days, became the foundation of her artistic exploration. “Drawing materials include pencils, containers, crayons, and charcoal. But over time, I found myself discarding everything but the pencil. Since my first solo exhibition in 1997, my main focus has been pencil drawings. It’s difficult to articulate, but I am deeply drawn to the pencil’s characteristics.” Through her repetitive use of this simple tool, Kim finds a sense of comfort and fulfillment.
“Lines converge within a small pencil to form petals, and petals gather to create large flowers. Flowers flutter in the wind within me. While I am drawing flowers, I understand that they are not truly flowers. Once the drawing is complete, the image disappears, leaving only the act of drawing itself, which brings a sense of calm. It doesn’t matter what I draw; I aim to infuse my work with the energy of nature, borrowing its form.”
- Eunjoo Kim’s Artist Notes
At a time when drawing has firmly established itself as a central component of art history, Eunjoo Kim has elevated the act of drawing to create works that transcend the dichotomies of “abstract and concrete,” “black and white,” and “form and void.” Her works have been featured in exhibitions worldwide and are part of the collections at the Busan Museum of Art, Pohang Museum of Art, and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.
This fall, we invite you to experience the extraordinary pencil work of Eunjoo Kim at Solbam. Just as countless hours of effort and energy are poured into crafting each dish at Solbam, Kim’s meticulous drawing of countless lines embodies a similar dedication. Her work reveals the infinite possibilities hidden within the simplicity of black graphite, challenging our perception of the impossible. Each season, in collaboration with PEYTO Gallery, Solbam will continue to seek out and present art that adds beauty and meaning to life.
Partnership with...
Restaurant Solbam is collaborating with Peyto Gallery in Seoul, showcasing and promoting the talents of local artists to the global audience. This partnership blends Solbam's commitment to local culture with Peyto Gallery's expertise in contemporary art, creating a vibrant platform for artists to share their work with the world. Through curated exhibition, Solbam is proud to support the creative community, offering a unique dining experience that celebrates art and gastronomy together with Peyto Gallery.
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