Galerie Shibumi is pleased to announce the gallery's representation of painter and filmmaker Ari Kim.

Invisible threads of fate weave through all living beings, connecting them in ways both seen and unseen, across lifetimes and moments. Ari Kim's work explores this intricate web of connections known as "In-Yeon (인연)," a concept deeply rooted in the idea of fate or providence. In-Yeon speaks to the invisible lines and knots that bind all living creatures, transcending time and space. These connections are not limited to lovers or family; they extend to friends, strangers, and even fleeting encounters on a subway.

Ari’s current series, “Mae-Deup (매듭),” delves into the profound connection between two figures who could be a young mother and daughter or perhaps a larger self and its younger counterpart. "Mae-Deup (매듭)," which translates to "knot" in English, refers to the traditional Korean art of decorative knotting, symbolizing the bonds or connections that tie us together. In these works, the figures’ braided hair, reminiscent of an umbilical cord, emphasizes this connection. Historically in Korea, hair was considered a sacred gift from ancestors, to be cherished and protected—adding layers of meaning to the imagery of hair as a navel string.
The figures in Ari’s paintings engage in acts of service, quietly expressing love through small, tender gestures. Whether it’s napping on a loved one’s knees, creating a shadow to shield them from the sun, or gently plucking white hairs with care, these moments replace direct words of affection. Through her art, Ari seeks to unveil forgotten memories, subtly capturing moments that once existed. She refers to these moments as "creases"—the gentle folds of time that bear witness to past gestures.

When light touches these creases, it casts a shadow, revealing the trace of what once was. This shadow, this delicate interplay of light and memory, forms the essence of Ari’s work. Each piece explores the enduring and often unseen connections that shape our lives, a visual narrative of the bonds that weave us together across lifetimes.