Myung-Ock Lim at Denise Bibro Fine Art

Much has been discussed recently on the rise of the international art market.



In many cases, currently we're dealing with a futures market, with investors heavily trading on (hope against hope,) that the work at hand will increase tenfold.

Unfortunately, in many cases most of the newer collectors are speculative at best.

That's why when I evaluate an artist-- I take into account more than just the current work at hand, but look for a gradual career progression and most important of all-- master craftsmanship.



Whether a sculptor, painter, or installation artist, there must be proof in the pudding.


I believe that with age comes expertise.

I also have found that upon numerous viewings, Korea is stepping up with almost unmatched talent.


With this thought process in mind, I come to my newest review, Korean artist Myung-Ock Lim's modernistic take on light, space and technology.

The minimialist exhibit "A Living Being" at Denise Bibro Fine Art represents her own take on life and its many elements through "filtering."

In this case "filtering" is experience through light.

The artist's belief is that life is made up of many parts that become whole.

In much the same way, Lim's works reflect this structure.

Within each of her sculptures, the individual glass plates are hand-painted in varying degrees of gradient color.

Each work--with their majestic arching of angles-- comes to signify something particular.

Dimensions are all variable; each work taking on a new and different meaning, and reflection.

When light hits each work, filtering through the multiples panes, it forms a prism-like effect-- reflecting back upon the viewer.

In her artist statement, Myung states she is fascinated with inner peace and solace-- and wishes to translate that to the viewer through her work.

The shapes are stunningly simplistic in their geometric makeup-- much in the way you look at the clear-cut lines of Fred Sandback or Donald Judd.

But there is the added benefit of the works being on a much more human-scale that some of Judd's greatest works.

I like also how the display shelves or pedestals are clear-- enabling the work to be viewed from mutiple angles-- within each framework exists a different piece.

Multiples pieces together as one.

The exhibit runs until June 9, 2007.

For more info, go to:

www.denisebibrofineart.com