Exhibition in Seoul brings forgotten pioneer of etching and painting into spotlight

by Yoo Na-hyun Posted : April 1, 2026, 18:09Updated : April 1, 2026, 18:09
A visitor views works at the Kim Sang-yu centennial exhibition “Unworn” at the Seoul Museum in Jongno District Seoul March 31 2026 AJP Yoo Na-hyun 20260331
Visitors look at paintings at an exhibition in Seoul on March 31, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
SEOUL, March 31 (AJP) - A retrospective exhibition commemorating the 100th anniversary of South Korea's late artist Kim Sang-yu opened in Seoul on Wednesday.

The exhibition, which runs at the Seoul Museum of Art until April 17, features more than 150 works along with Kim's historical records including personal belongings such as his painting tools, offering a comprehensive overview of his five-decade career in chronological order with six-different themes.

Known for his unique etchings and calligraphy-influenced paintings, the artist is regarded as a pioneer of copperplate printing in South Korea, credited with expanding the boundaries of modern art.

Beginning with experiments in abstract work in the 1960s, he developed a distinctive visual language across multiple media including woodcuts and oil paintings.

Unlike many exhibitions that focus on "star" artists, this exhibition takes a meaningful approach by featuring an artist who was once celebrated but has since faded from public attention.

The exhibition comes after Kim has recently regained public interest after K-pop juggernaut BTS' member RM revealed in 2022 that he had purchased one of Kim's works, bringing renewed attention to the artist.
 
A visitor views works at the Kim Sang-yu centennial exhibition “Unworn” at the Seoul Museum in Jongno District Seoul March 31 2026 AJP You Na-hyun 20260331
Visitors look at paintings at an exhibition in Seoul on March 31, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
A visitor views works at the Kim Sang-yu centennial exhibition “Unworn” at the Seoul Museum in Jongno District Seoul March 31 2026 AJP Yoo Na-hyun 20260331
A visitor takes a picture at an exhibition in Seoul on March 31, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
A visitor views works at the Kim Sang-yu centennial exhibition “Unworn” at the Seoul Museum in Jongno District Seoul March 31 2026 AJP Yoo Na-hyun 20260331
Visitors look at paintings at an exhibition in Seoul on March 31, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
Tools used by artist Kim Sang-yu are on display at his centennial exhibition “Unworn” at the Seoul Museum in Jongno District Seoul March 31 2026 AJP Yoo Na-hyun
Painting tools used by artist Kim Sang-yu are displayed at an exhibition in Seoul on March 31, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
A visitor views works at the Kim Sang-yu centennial exhibition “Unworn” at the Seoul Museum in Jongno District Seoul March 31 2026 AJP Yoo Na-hyun 20260331
Painting tools used by artist Kim Sang-yu are displayed at an exhibition in Seoul on March 31, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
A woodcut print is on display at the Kim Sang-yu centennial exhibition “Unworn” at the Seoul Museum in Jongno District Seoul March 31 2026 AJP Yoo Na-hyun 20260331
Paintings by artist Kim Sang-yu are displayed at an exhibition in Seoul on March 31, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
A press briefing for the Kim Sang-yu centennial exhibition “Unworn” is held at the Seoul Museum in Jongno District Seoul March 31 2026 AJP Yoo Na-hyun
Paintings and other works by artist Kim Sang-yu are displayed at an exhibition in Seoul on March 31, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
Visitors view works at the Kim Sang-yu centennial exhibition “Unworn” at the Seoul Museum in Jongno District Seoul March 31 2026 AJP Yoo Na-hyun
A visitor takes a picture at an exhibition in Seoul on March 31, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun