In her latest works, Seoul-based artist Yool Kim invites viewers into a world of warmth and interconnectedness, where fragmented human figures, graceful swans, and lush plants embrace in a harmonious dance of color and form. Rich reds, soft pinks, and vibrant oranges dominate the canvas, creating a sense of intimacy and warmth that permeates her paintings. With these new works, Kim delves deep into the complexities of human existence, exploring the contradictions between self and others, strength and vulnerability.

Kim’s latest paintings are a visual exploration of connection and compassion. Through tangled masses of limbs and the serene presence of swans, ferns, and monsteras, Kim reflects on the idea of mutual care. “I wanted to express the beauty of being able to care for the weak and taking care of each other, without a sense of superiority and inferiority in living things that are set by the world,” she explains. This emphasis on equality and nurturing relationships is central to her work, inviting viewers to reflect on the ways in which we are all intertwined.

This exploration of connection is not only about human relationships but also extends to the artist’s inner self. Kim shares that her evolving sense of peace is reflected in the tranquil poses of the figures in her paintings. These figures, often stretching and leaning into one another, embody a sense of acceptance and mutual support. “I have many egos and personalities within me; I am a human being full of complexity who cannot grasp existence as a single disposition,” she notes, underscoring the fragmented nature of the self that continues to inspire much of her work.

In Kim’s world, the boundaries between beings are fluid, and warmth becomes a metaphor for both physical and emotional connection. Swans, with their long necks entwining like lovers, and plants, with their leaves embracing one another, provide the perfect backdrop to Kim’s figurative explorations. These elements are not just symbolic—they form a unified, living ecosystem within the artwork, each part nurturing the others in a delicate balance.

Kim’s art is rooted in her personal journey toward tranquility, and her paintings feel like an invitation to join her in this introspective space. The use of vibrant color and organic forms creates an atmosphere that encourages viewers to reflect on their own relationships, both with themselves and with the world around them. As Kim herself has stated, “I’m always considering myself,” and her art challenges us to do the same, to consider our own complexities and the connections that sustain us.

I wanted to express the beauty of being able to care (for) the weak and taking care of each other, without a sense of superiority and inferiority in living things that are set by the world, by hugging, touching, or leaning on each other, I highlighted the meaning of connection and warmth.

Kim explains

With exhibitions planned for this spring, including a debut at Hall Spassov in Seattle, Kim’s work continues to captivate audiences with its emotional depth and visual complexity. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or a casual viewer, Yool Kim’s paintings offer a space to reflect on the beauty of connection, the complexity of self, and the warmth that comes from embracing life in all its fragmented, beautiful forms.

 With exhibitions planned for this spring, including a debut at Hall Spassov in Seattle, Kim’s work continues to captivate audiences with its emotional depth and visual complexity. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or a casual viewer, Yool Kim’s paintings offer a space to reflect on the beauty of connection, the complexity of self, and the warmth that comes from embracing life in all its fragmented, beautiful forms.