Kibong Rhee

Kibong Rhee, born in Seoul in 1957, is one of the most lyrical and philosophically profound names in contemporary South Korean art. In his works, Rhee addresses the transience of the physical world, the fading of memory, and the "evanescent" state of existence. The artist's signature technique is the three-dimensional depth perception he creates through multi-layered plexiglass or translucent fabrics placed on canvas. As seen in the "Vanishing Point" series, misty landscapes, the fluidity of water, and floating trees offer the viewer an atmosphere imbued with optical illusion, giving the feeling of being in a dream. Rhee uses the transition of matter from a solid to a liquid or gaseous state as an aesthetic metaphor, depicting the fragility of life and the inevitable flow of time with a "wet" and melancholic language. Today, the artist continues his production in his studio, which he built in a forested area near Seoul and named "Bartleby Woods," living in isolation intertwined with nature. Represented by prestigious institutions such as Kukje Gallery and Tina Kim Gallery, Rhee has been conducting more abstract explorations into the dynamics of water and the cyclical nature of nature in his recent works. Representing the "meditative" face of South Korean art at international biennials and fairs, the artist is experiencing the most mature period of his career with works that invite the viewer to explore the spiritual void beyond what is visible.