SINGAPORE – Oneness brings the mountains to Singapore, inviting visitors to become one with nature. Celebrating 2017 under the theme of Reflection, the Fondation d’entreprise Hermès’ first-ever presentation of contemporary ink paintings disconnects visitors from their hectic, technology-engulfed lives, and reconnects them with ancient wisdom and teachings.
Mirroring the classical Chinese literati painters from Song and Yuan dynasties, contemporary Korean artist Minjung Kim’s practice is deeply rooted in Taoist beliefs. Her stirring, hypnotic works are a reflection of self in a Zen state of complete physical and spiritual unity.
“When I paint on a mulberry hanji paper, I have to wait for the right moment for drawing some lines in ink. Sometimes it takes days and weeks to find the right state of mind. Breathing needs to be absolutely under control in order for me to execute fine lines, especially. I am always aware of the importance of equilibrium. You can call it Yin and Yang as in traditional Asian philosophy or just simply a balance between the opposites. Yin and Yang are void and fullness. They seem very much opposite notions but in a way they are the same. They are one notion.” Minjung Kim
The tradition of Chinese ink painting practice demands the artist to open her mind to absorb everything around the self, observing the tiniest of details in full, in order to achieve the goal of oneness with nature/surroundings. Kim elegantly marries this enduring and timeless tradition with a contemporary approach to create paintings of perfect harmony.
Through dynamic brushwork that parallels her state of being, she creates undulating mountainscapes meandering in and out of order and disorder, a sea of whirling dance and emerging shadows meeting as complementary powers. The resulting sight is as transcendental as it is profound.
This show is a haven for visitors to experience awe and contemplate the inconsequence of human life in this vast universe.
Exhibition will be from 27 April 2017 to 30 July 2017 10:30 am to 8 pm daily, free admission
AloI at Hermès, 541 Orchard Road, Liat Towers
