Framed Signed Po Kim Watercolor of Orchid, 1970s

Po Kim (Korean-American, 1917-2014). "Brassia Maculata" watercolor on paper, ca. 1970s. Signed "Po Kim" on lower left. A still life watercolor of an orchid named Brassia Maculata, with elegant long spring green leaves and dotted teal on pale green blossoms. During the 1970s, Po Kim created still lifes like this example that were described as "remarkable for their technical proficiency, and the sense of Zen-like concentration that (he) brought to bear on their creation." (press release for "the Spirit of Change" exhibition at Fairfield University's Thomas J. Walsh Gallery (June 2013). Interestingly, this piece comes from the collection of American artist William Draper, who adored orchids and was in fact a founder of the American Orchid Society. Size: 22.25" W x 15" H (56.5 cm x 38.1 cm); 23.25" W x 16.25" H (59.1 cm x 41.3 cm) framed

Born in southeast Korea, Po Kim had an interesting biography. Soon after his birth, his father died of the flu which led to a childhood living in poverty. Since his mother did not approve of his interest in art, Kim created his art in secrecy. At age 19, he left home to study in Tokyo. He studied at the Pacific Arts School in addition to Meiji University Law School and Imperial Commercial School for about 8 years. He returned to Korea in 1946 and established the Department of Fine Arts at Chosun University, serving as professor and chair until 1955. Prior to the Korean War, during traumatic political turmoil, Kim was imprisoned and tortured by both the government and left-wing rebels. Sadly, his political neutrality resulted in years of torture from both sides of the Korean War conflict. Then, in 1955, Kim was invited to take part in a fellowship at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; he later moved to New York in 1957. Kim later became a US citizen, and did not return to Korea for more than 30 years.

Provenance: The William F. Draper Collection, New York City, USA, acquired via descent from the late William Franklin Draper (1912-2003), an accomplished American artist whose career spanned seven decades. Known as the "Dean of American Portraiture," William Draper was the only artist to paint President John F. Kennedy from life, and his oeuvre includes marvelous landscapes from his world travels, military paintings as he was one of only seventeen Combat Artists in WWII, and portraits of illustrious individuals.

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#152489
Condition Report: Framed under glass and has not been examined outside the frame, but appears to be in excellent condition. "Brassia Maculata" is handwritten on the board on the verso. The painting is signed "Po Kim" at the lower left. Minor scuffs/stains to the frame, but it is still serviceable. Wired for suspension and ready to hang.