Kim Jiwon’s artistic inquiry begins at the intersection of life’s vibrant energy and its inevitable decay, captured through the singular, recurring motif of the cockscomb (Mandrami). Since the late 1990s, Kim has remained steadfastly committed to the fundamental act of ‘painting,’ expanding the horizons of contemporary Korean painting by meticulously observing mundane subjects and translating them through a lens of raw brushwork and intense chromaticity.
The 'Cockscomb' series, his most representative body of work, transcends mere botanical representation. By cultivating these flowers in his own studio garden, Kim witnesses the entire cycle of existence—from the exuberant bloom to the visceral stage of withering. For him, the cockscomb serves as a profound metaphor for human desire, passion, and the transience of life. His dynamic brushwork goes beyond depicting a plant; it challenges the very nature of painting itself, constantly questioning what it means to 'paint.'
His canvases manifest a tactile sense of presence that goes beyond visual mimesis. The incidental traces and thick impasto that emerge during the process of deconstructing and reconstructing forms allow the viewer to encounter the very atmosphere and the flow of time within the frame. Alongside the cockscomb, everyday subjects such as fountains, airplanes, and lemons are transformed into ontological events of significant painterly weight through his keen observation.
A professor at the Korea National University of Arts and a recipient of the 15th Lee In-sung Art Prize, Kim holds a preeminent position in the contemporary Korean art scene. His works are held in the permanent collections of major institutions, including the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA), Leeum Museum of Art, and Art Sonje Center. Seoul Art Now focuses on the profound resonance of Kim Jiwon’s disciplined approach to painting and his performative records, where the canvas becomes a point of intersection between the burning moments of life and quiet contemplation.