Paris Koh Fine Arts (201 Bridge Plaza North, Suite 1, Fort Lee, NJ) is delighted to present Soonnam Kim’s solo exhibition Harmonic Abstraction:  Indra’s Net in Motion. The exhibition will run from April 1 to 10, 2025, with an opening reception on Tuesday, April 1st, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

The exhibition "Harmonic Abstraction: Indra’s Net in Motion" delves into the artistic world of Soonnam Kim, whose works bridge the philosophical depth of Buddhist cosmology with the dynamic structure of abstract expressionism. At the heart of this exhibition is the "New Symphony Series," a body of work that seeks to translate the spiritual and musical harmony of the universe into a visual language.

Soonnam Kim's artistic journey began with figurative representations, gradually evolving into abstraction as a response to the limitations of representational art in conveying deeper existential truths. Inspired by the intricate interconnections depicted in the Buddhist concept of Indra’s Net, Kim's paintings become visual symphonies where dots, lines, and colors interweave in a cosmic dance.

Much like Wassily Kandinsky, often regarded as the father of abstract art, Kim sees painting as an extension of musical composition. Her works are akin to symphonies, wherein disparate elements find unity through rhythm, contrast, and balance. Using a palette knife, she orchestrates layers of oil paint across the canvas, allowing spontaneous gestures to manifest as intricate, interconnected textures. The dynamic yet meditative compositions recall the structured yet emotive nature of Western symphonic music, embodying both pathos (emotion) and logos (order).

The concept of Indra’s Net, as described in the Avataṃsaka Sūtra (Hwaeom Sūtra), serves as a foundational metaphor for Kim’s creative philosophy. In this Buddhist allegory, the universe is envisioned as a vast, interconnected web adorned with countless reflective jewels, each mirroring and influencing the others. This notion of interdependence resonates with Kim’s artistic process, where each mark on the canvas contributes to an intricate, ever-evolving whole. Her paintings do not merely depict forms but rather embody a living, breathing system of balance and resonance.

Kim's "Serenade" pieces, featured in this exhibition, offer a more intimate exploration within the larger "New Symphony Series." These smaller-scale works intensify her focus on color harmonies and the tactile interplay of pigment, revealing a microcosmic reflection of the larger visual orchestration. They serve as visual prayers—delicate yet profound invocations of unity, peace, and the cyclical nature of existence.

By synthesizing the structural discipline of Western music with the boundless interconnectedness of Buddhist cosmology, Soonam Kim creates paintings that transcend cultural and artistic boundaries. Her works invite the viewer into a contemplative space where color, line, and rhythm converge—an abstract yet deeply spiritual symphony in motion.

Soonnam Kim is a painter whose work explores the intersection of Western symphonic music, Buddhist philosophy, and abstraction. She holds an MFA in Drawing and Painting from New Jersey City University and an MBA in Financial Management from Pace University. Kim has exhibited internationally, with solo shows in Korea, Germany, and the U.S., including at the Tongdo Museum of Tongdosa (a UNESCO Heritage Site) and Ezair Gallery, New York. Her work has been featured in The New York Times and BTN Buddhist TV. She has served as an adjunct professor in the Department of Fine Arts at Kean University for 10 years and as a board member at Pen and Brush, Inc., New York.

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