Kate Oh Gallery will open its doors to the exhibition ‘The Korean Archetype’ on March 1st, with works by artist Miky (Yoohyun) Kim.
In her work, Kim molds countless tile-roofs, metaphorically alluding to Korea’s traditional tile-roof houses that represent Korean women who led lives of obedience, forbearance and self-sacrifice under those very roofs. Through her practice, Kim pays homage to the Korean women who endured suffocating social customs, physical and emotional agony, all the while praying for the wellbeing of her family and loved ones.
Another common motif Kim uses is Korean rice cakes that symbolize love, care, devotion and prayer of the women who prepared them. Rice cakes are prepared for special occasions such as the Lunar New Year, Lunar Thanksgiving, and birthday celebrations. They are decorated using wooden molds of various themes and shapes. The rice cakes are inscribed with characters such as “su” (壽) denoting longevity and other traditional symbols that wish for good fortune. They also symbolize a woman’s prayer for the health of her family by marking their birthdays.
Kim’s work is her prayer to persevere in difficult times and to find joy and beauty in simple things.
Miky (Yoohyun) Kim: The Korean Archetype will be on view from March 1 to March 11, 2022 with an Opening Reception on Tuesday, March 1 from 6:00 ~ 9:00pm at Kate Oh Gallery, 31 East 72nd Street, NYC.
*Notice: In accordance with New York City mandate, all visitors age 12 and older must be vaccinated against COVID-19 with another form of identification in order to enter into Kate Oh Gallery. Mask must be worn inside the gallery at all times for all visitors over the age of two.