In the late 17th century, Korea’s Joseon Dynasty saw the emergence of a unique porcelain vessel known as the moon jar. These vessels, characterized by their round shape and milky glaze, became popular and were crafted by skilled artisans in wood-fired kilns. Over the years, the traditional moon jar style has continued to influence contemporary artists and craftsmen.
One such artist is Sung Hwa Kim, a Brooklyn-based painter who draws inspiration from the classic Korean jar in his artwork. Kim’s ongoing series of paintings explore the concept of decorative vessels as symbolic containers for the past. In his work, he creates “visual haikus” that evoke the passage of time, from changing seasons to the transition from day to night.
In Kim’s solo exhibition titled “Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring” at Harper’s in New York, he focuses on capturing quiet moments in domestic settings. His compositions often feature monochromatic scenes with a vase placed on a table, containing landscapes from historic paintings or distant places. Spectral insects and glowing elements add a dreamlike quality to his artwork, while references to famous modernist works like those of Vincent van Gogh and René Magritte can be seen in the background.
The jars in Kim’s paintings serve as portals to other times and places, offering viewers a glimpse into a world beyond the canvas. The faded flora and subtle details in his work hint at the passage of time and the ephemeral nature of life. Through his art, Kim invites viewers to contemplate the delicate balance between what fades away and what endures.
“Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring” will be on display at Harper’s in New York until April 5. To see more of Sung Hwa Kim’s work, visit his website or follow him on Instagram.
