I recently visited the Arario Gallery in Cheonan, which is hosting an exhibition about Unbo Kim Ki Chang (1914–2001), one of the most important artists in modern Korean art. The show brings together a wide range of his works, from the 1930s to the 1990s, offering a rare look at how his art evolved over 70 years.
Kim Ki Chang started his career early and quickly became well-known. But instead of sticking to one style, he kept experimenting and exploring new ideas throughout his life. He wanted to modernize traditional Korean painting — to keep its heart, but make it speak to the modern world. He tried different techniques, themes, and styles to make this happen.
Even late in his life, he never stopped challenging himself. His work shows not only his personal growth but also reflects the bigger story of how Korean art changed in the 20th century. Through his paintings, he explored questions like how to keep Korean identity strong while the world was becoming more global, and how to bring tradition into the present.
This exhibition isn’t just about looking back — it’s a chance to see how bold and creative Kim Ki Chang was. Visitors can discover how deeply he connected with Korean culture and how fearlessly he pushed artistic boundaries. It’s a fresh look at a master who shaped Korean art in his own unique way. The exhibition will be open until 22 March 2026.
