Récurrence 2003

Kim Tschang-Yeul made this painting of water droplets, titled "Récurrence." The artist's realistic representation of water, a basic element, can be understood in light of East Asian philosophical traditions such as Daoism and Buddhism. For example, water is a symbol of purity, source of life, and adaptable to its container. In South Korean culture, water also has strong association with ritual cleansing and renewal. Kim made this painting in France where he spent much of his career. In the post-war period, France became a popular destination for artists around the world because its art schools and galleries offered a path to international recognition. The artist's work is self-consciously progressive. It uses European styles of painting to explore Korean philosophical themes. Understanding this painting involves historical sources about Asian philosophy, French art institutions, and the Korean diaspora. The meaning of art is always contingent on the social and institutional context that it reflects and critiques.