LIGHT OF GOLD by Kim il Tae, Organized by Philip Shin and Dr. Saeel Bin Raba

Location: Giza Hall, 3rd Floor, Raffles, Wafi – Sheikh Rashid Road, Dubai

Exhibition dates: March 19, 2024 – April 17, 2024 Timing during Ramadan: from 5 pm to 10 pm

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Kim Il Tae is a contemporary artist from South Korea, famous for using pure gold as a main element in his artwork. “The Light of Gold” exhibition by artist Kim Il Tae and organized by Philip Shin, the promoter of international art, and Dr. Saeel bin Raba, the organizer of international events.

Stunning golden paintings by renowned Korean artist Kim Il Tae are set to captivate art lovers around the world as they take center stage in a new exhibition. This exhibition, titled “The Light of Gold,” promises to transport viewers to a world of opulence, beauty and cultural depth. Not gold leaf or gold foil but in the malleable material itself. It is completely unprecedented, perhaps now. An aspiring goldsmith, Kim became an amateur chemist and took seven years to perfect a secret mixture of 24-karat gold powder, natural oil and glue that he made himself.

As a curator and organizer of many successful art exhibitions, Philip Shin has been a driving force in showcasing the work of talented artists from around the world. Philip Shin, a prominent figure in the industry, has successfully secured commissions from top 10 Korean artists. This strategic move not only solidifies Shin’s position in the art market, but also reflects a momentous collaboration between an influential art professional and the elite of Korean art talent. Philip Shin begins his series of exhibitions with the long-awaited debut of artist Kim Il Tae, and in a distinguished partnership with businessman Saeel Bin Raba, who carries within him a wish to achieve the vision of the wise leadership of the United Arab Emirates for creative industries to play an active role in supplementing the country’s national income and to realize his dream of promoting art. As a language of cultural communication between different cultures, the partnership between Philip Shin and Saeel Bin Raba begins with several successive artistic projects that will be announced today.

Kim Il Tae is a very famous Korean artist known for his exquisite gold paintings, which blend traditional Korean art techniques with contemporary sensibilities. His work has been shown in galleries and museums around the world, earning him numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the art world. Kim Il Tae is committed to using his talent to promote cultural understanding and appreciation, believing that art has the power to transcend borders and unite people from all walks of life.

«Kim Il Tae, famous for his unique fusion of traditional Korean art techniques and contemporary themes, has gained international acclaim for his stunning artwork. His masterful use of his unique 24-karat gold technique, the hallmark of Korean art, adds a radiant dimension to his creations, imbuing them with a sense of beauty. Timeless elegance » – highlighted by international art critic Alina Vavelina.

At the heart of his paintings lies a deep reverence for nature and its cycles of growth, decay and renewal. Through his art, he seeks to foster a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things and the fragile ecosystems that support us.

Ultimately, his goal as an artist is to invite viewers into a world of wonder and contemplation, where they can reconnect with the natural world and experience its beauty in a new light. Through his paintings, the artist hopes to inspire a renewed sense of wonder and appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us.

Kim makes his work from 24-karat gold — considered the purest form of the yellow metal — with 999 parts per thousand gold. No other medium will do for him, because he intends to leave an “indelible” mark and leave the world with works of art that will last forever — the kind that won’t fade, crack, or crumble over time, or, as he puts it, “something that will last for 1,000 years.”

He has dedicated more than a decade of his life to mastering the medium, mixing pure gold with natural oils, and perfecting his technique. The result is a gold paint that presses well onto the fabric without it crack or fade, creating truly one-of-a-kind gilded masterpieces.

To date, he has held more than 20 exhibitions in regions including Tokyo, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon and Los Angeles. More are planned in the near future elsewhere. A highlight of his career was a two-week solo exhibition in 2016 at London’s Saatchi, a gallery renowned for displaying only the best works in contemporary art.

“Kim Il Tae’s artistry transcends boundaries, inviting viewers to explore the intersection of tradition and innovation,” – notes the curator of the exhibition, international art manager and art historian Aleksandra Timorina. “His golden paintings not only showcase his technical prowess but also serve as a testament to the enduring beauty of nature.”

The exhibition showcase a variety of Kim Il Tae’s works, dedicated to nature’s motifs, each meticulously designed to evoke emotion and wonder. Visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the artist’s world, where every brushstroke tells a story and every shiny surface reflects the essence of Korean heritage.

Contemporary art at the exhibition was presented by works of young artist from South Korea, Miss Ju Min Im, maestro Kim’s student.

Building on the success of this first exhibition, Philip Shin and Saeel Bin Raba are planning an exhibition of a selection of works by five top-tier Korean artists. The upcoming exhibition aims to highlight the diversity and depth of contemporary Korean art. From abstract expressionism to nuanced realism, audiences are in for a visual feast highlighting unique voices within Korea’s vibrant art scene.

Philip shin and Saeel Bin Raba’s commitment to cultural exploration takes center stage in the third exhibition, as the spotlight turns to the rich heritage of Shinese and Korean antiques. This immersive journey through time invites visitors to appreciate the ingenuity, symbolism and historical significance embedded in each artifact. It is a testament to their dedication to bridging cultural narratives through the language of art.

“The UAE National Strategy for the Cultural and Creative Industries aim to promote the growth of the cultural and creative industries sector and increase its contribution to 5% of the national GDP by 2031. It also seeks to strengthen the UAE’s position on the global cultural and creativity map, inspire creative thinking, and attract cultural talents and creative entrepreneurs from around the world.

Today, we’re proud to present an art exhibition by the renowned Korean artist Kim Il Tae, organized with me by my partner and friend Philip Shin. Kim Il Tae is known for his innovative approach to traditional mediums, using the purest gold as the main element in his artworks. 

Dubai is a unique destination where modern history is the being made and recorded. It’s a point of confluence of Asian and Eastern culture traditions in the 21st century. We’re all working hard , driven by passion to achieve the vision of our wise leaders making Dubai a global destination for creativity, innovation, talent, and technology”, – highlights the local organizer of the exhibition Dr. Saeel Al Raba.

As visionaries in the art world, Philippe Shin and Saeel Bin Raba, in their partnership, go beyond traditional exhibitions to host an art curation forum. This educational and interactive event brings together experts, collectors and enthusiasts to delve into the complexities of assessing art value. From understanding market trends to deciphering the nuances of craftsmanship, the forum aims to empower participants by providing insights into the art evaluation process. Philip Shin and Bin Raba’s upcoming projects promise not only a visual feast for art lovers, but also a thought-provoking exploration of cultural narratives and the multi-faceted world of art.

EVENT ORGANIZERS:

Philip Shin, South Korea, Chairman of the S&H ARTWORKS TRADING Co. LLC, International Art Dealer, Chairman of the Korea Art Registration Association

Dr. Saeel Al Raba, UAE, International Event Organizer and businessman

Curators:

Alexandra Timorina, International Art Manager, Founder of Alexandra Gallery

Natalia Andakulova, International Art historian, founder of Andakulova Gallery

Contacts:

Email: alexandragallery@mail.ru

Tel: +971585127128 / +971589237800