By Woo Jae-yeon
Artist Kim Ran meticulously reconstructs iconic landmarks in her paintings, aiming to preserve the “invaluable layers of time and memories” that deeply resonate with her and her audience.
“My paintings are composed of countless threadlike lines layered one upon another, like chains stretching from the past to the present, and even to a future that may never arrive,” Kim Ran shared in an interview .
“To me, these lines signify the connections between people.”
Kim Ran finds profound inspiration in the traditional Korean house, “hanok,” particularly in its gracefully curved rooflines, which, from a distance, resemble delicate threads.
Her solo exhibition, “Throw Back,” at Rho Gallery in Insa-dong, Seoul, reflects her passion for traditional architecture, showcasing depictions of hanok neighborhoods from Seoul, Jeonju, and Andong. The exhibition is a must-see for lovers of Korean art and traditional architecture.
Beyond Korea, Kim Ran also captures the unseen connections between time and people in international landmarks, including the Empire State Building, the London Eye, and the Vltava River in Prague.
For Kim Ran, spending almost 12 hours a day creating art is not a chore but a source of inspiration and a means of cultivating inner strength.
“I enjoy my time alone. I gain energy from working solo,” she said.
The meditative process of layering paint through a needle-sized opening, creating fine lines, provides her with a unique sense of comfort and energy.
A graduate of Daegu Arts University (2016), Kim Ran dedicated years to contemplating her artistic direction before embracing her current style in 2019.
Her artistic evolution is on display at the Rho Gallery, showcasing subtle variations in the thickness and density of her painted lines. Her experimentations never stop.
“I wanted my work to possess a deeper, more layered artistic quality, not revealing everything at first glance,” she explained.
Kim Ran described the decade since graduation as “incredibly meaningful,” providing a time for self-discovery, identifying her passions, and honing her skills.
With her official debut through this solo exhibition, Kim Ran hopes to create works that “leave a deep emotional resonance.”
“Nothing brings me more joy than seeing viewers spend a significant amount of time contemplating my paintings,” she said.
“Throw Back” is on display through March 5.
