“Ride the Wave” is a deeply personal exploration of Seulgi Kim’s emotional journey, captured through her distinct relationship with water. In this body of work, Kim unveils emotions that have been long buried, surfacing as she reconnects with water in both familiar and unfamiliar contexts. Each brushstroke serves as an emotional current, with the color blue symbolizing the delicate balance between depression and healing.

Kim’s use of blue across her canvases embodies the duality of struggle and solace. The sea, which features prominently in her work, becomes a metaphor for life’s turbulence and tranquility. In moments where the tension of everyday life feels too heavy to bear, Kim surrenders to the sea, a vast and unpredictable force that reflects the internal turmoil many face. Her imagery of crashing waves and steady rocks offers a narrative of resilience, illustrating how we can both endure and heal.

At the heart of Kim’s work are her depictions of figures navigating the passage from childhood to adulthood. These characters, often shown leaning on trees or surrounded by nature, mirror the artist’s own sense of vulnerability. The innocence of childhood is juxtaposed with the weight of adult responsibilities, yet a hopeful light persists, shining through even in moments of darkness.

In this exhibition, viewers are invited to not only witness the artist’s personal reconciliation with these emotions but also to find their own solace in the ebb and flow of life. “Ride the Wave” encourages us to let go, surrendering to the natural rhythms of life, while also recognizing the power to rise again with each wave.

Through textured brushstrokes and the luminous presence of blue, Seulgi Kim offers a space for reflection, healing, and connection, reminding us that even in times of struggle, there is light to be found.

The show will be on view at Volery Gallery from October 12 to November 8, 2024, marking Seulgi Kim’s first solo exhibition in the Middle East.