Wire artist revives joy of play
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Kim Tae-sung
By Park Jin-hai
Kim Tae-sung, 55, makes wires into lively creatures found in nature ― mostly big and small fish.
Under his hands, the wires are born into art pieces in a matter of a few hours.
“Nature is the masterpiece that holds the ultimate value. Naturalism and natural materials are also another expression of luxury today,” said Kim, during his recent collaborative exhibition titled “Fish meet moon jar and cedar chest” at Dong Yeon Gallery in Seoul.
The main materials used in his artwork are wood, wires, moss and flesh plants. They are made into ants, some crawling on the wall and others in a jar, and fluttering fish.
All his creations look familiar and remind people of a kind of childhood joy.
The wire creations along with “moon jars,” the Joseon Kingdom era white porcelain, and cedar chests, leaves the impression of strong and weighty art.
Kim, a former creative director of PR companies including Hancomm, said that his first art pieces were born from playing with wire 20 years ago.
“I was at a photo shoot for a commercial. While I was waiting for the models to get ready, I noticed the wires placed at the corner. So I wound and cut and made the first two fish that still I keep in my house,” he said.
“I always wanted to make my own artworks, not commissioned by buyers. When I saw my artwork worn by people and sold, I felt a different kind of happiness,” He added.
For him, art is as natural as effortless play. He said it doesn’t take much time to make his pieces, with the exception of large-sized installations.
“My work is reviving the joy of play. Whether it be writing, drawing or sculpting, all these are an act to revive the fun of play,” said Kim.
He has been holding various exhibitions under the theme of “Feel Nature” for the last five years.
“I hope my work can make people smile and feel the comfort of nature. I believe at any place where people can think about nature and relish it, there will be love and hope,” Kim said.