Kim Eull studied metal craft at Wonkwang University and metal
design at Hongik University Graduate School. After working as a jewellery
designer, he shifted to painting in the mid-1980s and held his first solo
exhibition at Kumho Gallery in 1994. Following early painting series focused on
self-portraiture and family history, he has devoted his practice since the
early 2000s to drawing-based works. Working across painting, sculpture, and
installation, Kim continues to expand the conceptual and material possibilities
of contemporary drawing.
The Ilwoo Foundation, affiliated with the Hanjin Group, presents 《Inside drawing》, its first
curated exhibition of 2016, at Ilwoo Space, located on the first-floor lobby of
the Korean Air Seosomun Building. This exhibition brings together drawings by
16 artists representing diverse generations of Korean contemporary art,
offering audiences an opportunity to encounter a wide spectrum of
approaches—from traditional drawing practices to bold and experimental works
that expand conventional notions of drawing.
On view for 41 days from January 7
(Thursday) to February 17 (Wednesday), the exhibition at Ilwoo Space (Tel.
02-753-6502) features approximately 50 works by the participating artists.
Through this selection, 《Inside drawing》 highlights the expressive range and conceptual
breadth of drawing as both a fundamental and evolving artistic medium.
One of the greatest appeals of drawing lies in its freedom and raw
vitality. Unlike oil painting, which allows for repeated revisions and layers,
drawing is often an irreversible act—an immediate trace of the artist’s breath
and gesture. As such, it demands a high level of discipline and technical
mastery, making it a particularly revealing genre. Despite its inherent
difficulty, many artists are drawn to drawing precisely because of its
intensity and immediacy.
In recent years, the scope of drawing has expanded alongside growing
public interest, resulting in increasingly diverse forms of expression. Once
confined primarily to pen and paper, drawing has now extended into spatial and
conceptual realms, transcending material limitations and giving rise to
inventive practices that incorporate unconventional media. This exhibition
presents a wide range of works, from traditional drawings executed with pen or
brush to innovative pieces employing materials such as metal powder and vinyl,
offering a comprehensive view of both the depth and the evolving possibilities
of drawing today.
Kim Eull, a first-generation drawing artist known for his sustained
practice and continual experimentation, presents works that challenge the
conventional boundaries of drawing by incorporating objects into his practice,
redefining what drawing can be and how it may be perceived.
