By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter
As a child, artist Francoise Seungheey Kim grew up playing with beautiful dolls. Her fascination continued through her adult years, until she decided to make them the subject of her art.
``My exhibit is perfect for the Christmas season. The theme is `doll's outing'. I've been creating art focusing on dolls and dollhouses for the last six years. But I've been collecting dolls for a long time,'' she told The Korea Times, Monday, just before the exhibit's opening at Gallery Jant, in Bundang, south of Seoul. The exhibit runs through Dec. 30.
In her paintings, antique European dolls are shown wearing ruffled dresses and prim coats, reading books and sitting down for a picnic. The doll paintings seem very old-fashioned, especially in a time when most girls do not play with such antique dolls. Some of the dolls are from Kim's own collection, but most of them are conjured up from her imagination.
Even Kim is disappointed with the declining popularity of dolls among young girls. ``These days children have to study more, and don't have time to play much. They're also more interested in computer games. Even girls are not attracted to dolls anymore. … When I was growing up, girls wanted to dress up dolls. Dolls were like pets. Girls expressed their feelings through the dolls,'' she said.
Kim does not see dolls simply as children's toys when she's painting them. Behind every painting, she envisions a story about the doll and her life.
``I don't see dolls as just objects. I know they're not human, but I give them personalities and feelings to make them seem more human. … For every painting I make, I write down little stories, 5 or 6 lines that tell about the life of the doll,'' she said. In the future, she hopes to compile images of her doll paintings and their stories in a book.
The doll paintings seem to exude warmth and cheerfulness through the use of vibrant colors. Kim feels a very strong connection to her paintings. She can't even choose a favorite.
``When I look at my doll paintings, I feel like a parent. I always hope that my portraits go to a good family with children. I hope the family and children talk to the portraits like I do. … I want people to look at the paintings, reflect on the past and warm their hearts,'' she said.
Kim has collected numerous antique dolls from her travels abroad, especially from when she lived in France. When asked how many are in her collection, Kim just laughed and said, ``it's a secret.''
Deresa Ko, Gallery Jant's curator, said the gallery is dedicated to supporting artists with a unique vision, like Kim. Although the gallery is located far from the popular art areas like Insadong and Cheongdamdong, Ko hopes art lovers will come and appreciate her works.
To get to Gallery Jant, leave Exit 3 of Jeong-ja Subway Station (Bundang line) and walk for 10 minutes. The gallery is located at the second floor of Bundang The # Star Park. Call (031) 783-7931.