Image: Selection of works by Kim Minwook from the exhibition On Carving, Bending, and Binding Wood. All works copyright Kim Minwook. Photograph © Asian Art Museum by Kevin Candland.
Asian Art Museum
Kim Minwook: On Carving, Bending, and Binding Wood
South Korean artist Kim Minwook treats wood as a creative partner rather than passive material, working with natural elements like grain, cracks, and knots to create sculptures that honor each tree's unique history. This landmark solo exhibition showcases the self-taught craftsman's innovative approach to carving, bending, and binding wood, demonstrating how he listens to his materials to create contemporary works that blend technical mastery with profound respect for nature. Known for swift recognition in the craft world—including the 2019 Lexus Creative Masters Award—Kim's practice reveals the quiet stories embedded in wood and challenges how we think about the relationship between artist and material.