Younglee Kim_Artist Page
Younglee Kim
“Younglee Kim’s work is an archetype of optical painting based on a modernized interpretation of fresco painting that can be seen in ancient Korean tomb murals. Her technique involves coating lime plaster on the canvas, and then painting over the dried lime surface mainly using non-chemical natural paints, which is highly preservable. This technique originates from Buon fresco (Italian for ‘true fresh’): a technique applying dissolved pigments on a ‘wet’ lime surface, while the surface is still ‘fresh’ (hence the term - fresco). A technique that involves painting on a ‘dried’ lime surface is referred to as secco, and on a ‘semi-wet’ surface, mezzo fresco, although these fresco techniques are often indistinguishable as they are commonly used together. Younglee Kim’s work gravitates toward the secco style.
Her work using these special materials reflects an archetype of allover painting, and as a result, creates optical illusions (typically seen in op art) and a meditative sense of beauty. Her work tends to show a uniform expression with no central composition, further repeating the patterns fully extended to the edges of the canvas, filled with color dynamics and contrasts.”
— Hyung Ok Lee, Art Critic