KIM WHANKI 1913-1974 KOREAN OIL PAINTING ON CANVAS. Korean artist Kim Whanki (1913- 1974). Painting signed at the lower left corner. Image size 57cm by 50cm. With frame size 66cm by 55cm. Kim Whanki, also Kim Whan-ki or Kim Hwan-gi was a pioneering abstract artist of Korea. Born February 27, 1913, in the village of Eupdong-ri on the island of Anjwado, Sinan County, South Jeolla Province, Kim died in New York City, USA, on July 25, 1974. Kim belongs to the first generation of Korean Abstract artists, mixing oriental concepts and ideals with abstraction. With refined and moderated formative expression based on Korean Lyricism, he created his characteristic art world. His artworks largely dealt with diverse hues and patterns.