Kim Tschang Yeul: the ‘Water Drop Artist,’ Leaves a Legacy of Korean Modern Art
Jason Yim / Published October 13, 2024 10:22 PM
Jason Yim
The portrait of the artist, Courtesy of Kim Tschang Yeul Art Museum Jeju
Kim Tschang-yeul, a renowned South Korean artist famous for his "water drop" paintings, left an indelible mark on Korean and international modern art. Born in 1929 in Maengsan, South Pyongan Province, Kim passed away on January 5, 2021, at the age of 91. Throughout his artistic career, Kim became a prominent figure in Korean contemporary art, gaining recognition for his exploration of realism, abstract art, and the symbolic use of water droplets, which became his signature motif.
Kim’s early artistic journey began in childhood when he studied calligraphy under his grandfather. It was through this practice that Kim was introduced to the world of art, which would later define his career. After studying under Lee Quede at Seongbuk Painting Research Institute and briefly attending Seoul National University’s Art School, Kim's education was interrupted by the outbreak of the Korean War. Despite the interruption, Kim remained devoted to his artistic aspirations, continuing to work in various capacities before ultimately dedicating himself fully to painting.
제사, 1964, 162x130cm, Oil on canvas, Courtesy of Kim Tschang Yeul Art Museum Jeju
In the late 1950s, Kim was part of Korea’s "Informel" art movement, which sought to break away from traditional artistic forms. Alongside fellow artists such as Park Seo-bo and Chung Chang-sup, he co-founded the Korean Modern Artists Association, leading the charge in abstract art. His participation in international art events, including the Paris and São Paulo Biennales, introduced his work to the global stage, further cementing his reputation as an influential artist.
Kim’s groundbreaking "water drop" series emerged in the early 1970s, during his time in Paris. Living in a modest studio outside the city, Kim experimented with various materials and techniques. It was during this period that he became fascinated by the natural form of water droplets on a canvas. This discovery led to the creation of his iconic works, which focused on the hyper-realistic depiction of water droplets on diverse surfaces, including canvas, newspaper, and burlap.
물방울(Waterdrop), 1987, 49.5x34cm, Acrylic on newspaper, Courtesy of Kim Tschang Yeul Art Museum Jeju
The water droplets in Kim’s works are not merely a technical feat but carry deeper symbolic meaning. For Kim, they represented purification, healing, and reflection. The droplets invite viewers to meditate on the transient and ephemeral nature of life. His technique evolved over the years, incorporating new materials such as the Thousand Character Classic (천자문) script, which became another distinctive feature of his work. By combining Eastern philosophy and Western abstract techniques, Kim created a unique visual language that resonated globally.
Kim’s work gained international acclaim, with exhibitions held in prestigious museums such as the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (South Korea), the Centre Pompidou (France), and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (USA). His water drop series became emblematic of Korean modern art’s global reach, sparking interest and dialogue in both Eastern and Western art circles.
회귀, 1994, 195x160cm, Oil and ink oncanvas, Courtesy of Kim Tschang Yeul Art Museum Jeju
One of the most notable aspects of Kim's career was his ability to remain rooted in Korean heritage while navigating the global art scene. His use of traditional materials, such as Korean ink and burlap, alongside more modern mediums, reflected a synthesis of East and West. His water drops, though simple in form, became a powerful metaphor for contemplation, blending realism with abstraction and offering a bridge between different cultural perspectives.
In recognition of his contributions to the arts, Kim was awarded multiple honors, including France’s Order of Arts and Letters in 1996 and 2017, and South Korea’s Silver Crown Order of Cultural Merit in 2012. These accolades highlighted his international impact and enduring influence on both Korean and global art.
Bell, 2003, 81x100cm, Courtesy of Kim Tschang Yeul Art Museum Jeju
Kim’s artistic legacy is preserved through numerous institutions, including the Kim Tschang-yeul Museum of Art, which opened in 2016 on Jeju Island. The museum serves as a tribute to his lifelong work and offers visitors a chance to engage deeply with his water drop paintings, which continue to inspire artists and audiences worldwide.
Kim Tschang-yeul’s passing in 2021 marked the end of an era, but his work endures as a testament to the power of simplicity and symbolism in art. His innovative use of water drops as both a visual and philosophical tool solidifies his place as one of the most significant figures in Korean modern art.
Sayart / Jason Yim, yimjongho1969@gmail.com
The portrait of the artist, Courtesy of Kim Tschang Yeul Art Museum Jeju
Kim Tschang-yeul, a renowned South Korean artist famous for his "water drop" paintings, left an indelible mark on Korean and international modern art. Born in 1929 in Maengsan, South Pyongan Province, Kim passed away on January 5, 2021, at the age of 91. Throughout his artistic career, Kim became a prominent figure in Korean contemporary art, gaining recognition for his exploration of realism, abstract art, and the symbolic use of water droplets, which became his signature motif.
Kim’s early artistic journey began in childhood when he studied calligraphy under his grandfather. It was through this practice that Kim was introduced to the world of art, which would later define his career. After studying under Lee Quede at Seongbuk Painting Research Institute and briefly attending Seoul National University’s Art School, Kim's education was interrupted by the outbreak of the Korean War. Despite the interruption, Kim remained devoted to his artistic aspirations, continuing to work in various capacities before ultimately dedicating himself fully to painting.
제사, 1964, 162x130cm, Oil on canvas, Courtesy of Kim Tschang Yeul Art Museum Jeju
In the late 1950s, Kim was part of Korea’s "Informel" art movement, which sought to break away from traditional artistic forms. Alongside fellow artists such as Park Seo-bo and Chung Chang-sup, he co-founded the Korean Modern Artists Association, leading the charge in abstract art. His participation in international art events, including the Paris and São Paulo Biennales, introduced his work to the global stage, further cementing his reputation as an influential artist.
Kim’s groundbreaking "water drop" series emerged in the early 1970s, during his time in Paris. Living in a modest studio outside the city, Kim experimented with various materials and techniques. It was during this period that he became fascinated by the natural form of water droplets on a canvas. This discovery led to the creation of his iconic works, which focused on the hyper-realistic depiction of water droplets on diverse surfaces, including canvas, newspaper, and burlap.
물방울(Waterdrop), 1987, 49.5x34cm, Acrylic on newspaper, Courtesy of Kim Tschang Yeul Art Museum Jeju
The water droplets in Kim’s works are not merely a technical feat but carry deeper symbolic meaning. For Kim, they represented purification, healing, and reflection. The droplets invite viewers to meditate on the transient and ephemeral nature of life. His technique evolved over the years, incorporating new materials such as the Thousand Character Classic (천자문) script, which became another distinctive feature of his work. By combining Eastern philosophy and Western abstract techniques, Kim created a unique visual language that resonated globally.
Kim’s work gained international acclaim, with exhibitions held in prestigious museums such as the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (South Korea), the Centre Pompidou (France), and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (USA). His water drop series became emblematic of Korean modern art’s global reach, sparking interest and dialogue in both Eastern and Western art circles.
회귀, 1994, 195x160cm, Oil and ink oncanvas, Courtesy of Kim Tschang Yeul Art Museum Jeju
One of the most notable aspects of Kim's career was his ability to remain rooted in Korean heritage while navigating the global art scene. His use of traditional materials, such as Korean ink and burlap, alongside more modern mediums, reflected a synthesis of East and West. His water drops, though simple in form, became a powerful metaphor for contemplation, blending realism with abstraction and offering a bridge between different cultural perspectives.
In recognition of his contributions to the arts, Kim was awarded multiple honors, including France’s Order of Arts and Letters in 1996 and 2017, and South Korea’s Silver Crown Order of Cultural Merit in 2012. These accolades highlighted his international impact and enduring influence on both Korean and global art.
Bell, 2003, 81x100cm, Courtesy of Kim Tschang Yeul Art Museum Jeju
Kim’s artistic legacy is preserved through numerous institutions, including the Kim Tschang-yeul Museum of Art, which opened in 2016 on Jeju Island. The museum serves as a tribute to his lifelong work and offers visitors a chance to engage deeply with his water drop paintings, which continue to inspire artists and audiences worldwide.
Kim Tschang-yeul’s passing in 2021 marked the end of an era, but his work endures as a testament to the power of simplicity and symbolism in art. His innovative use of water drops as both a visual and philosophical tool solidifies his place as one of the most significant figures in Korean modern art.
