Rhythms of Vitality

BLANK SPACE is pleased to present Rhythms of Vitality, a solo exhibition by Heekyung Kim, on view from March 13 to April 26. Kim’s three-dimensional wall reliefs, crafted from Korean hanji paper and pigment, embody the essence of blooming—unfolding with a quiet, organic rhythm. Their delicate yet structured forms evoke a sense of serenity and tranquility, inviting viewers into a meditative space where the movement of nature is both seen and felt. Through her meticulous layering of hanji, she captures the ephemeral traces left by nature. Blurring the boundaries between sculpture and painting, Rhythms of Vitality invites viewers to immerse themselves in the quiet yet powerful forces that shape both nature and memory.

Hanji, the material which Heekyung Kim uses for her relief sculptures, is a traditional Korean handmade paper crafted from the inner bark of the mulberry tree, is deeply rooted in Korea’s cultural and artistic heritage. Prized for its remarkable durability, breathability, and soft yet resilient texture, hanji has been used for centuries in calligraphy, painting, bookmaking, and even architectural elements such as window coverings and doors. Its unique fibrous structure allows it to be both strong and pliable, making it an ideal medium for transformation and layering.

The inception of Heekyung Kim’s Bloom series began in 2009, exploring the transformative qualities of hanji, a traditional Korean paper known for its exceptional durability—lasting up to a thousand years—and its limitless adaptability due to its soft yet strong nature. Harnessing these inherent qualities, Kim reinterprets the image of a flower not merely as a symbol of beauty but as a vessel of creative energy, embodying the life-giving force of nature.