What information do you need to talk about an artist? Awards or estimated values of the artist’s works? Themes or philosophy? The color of the artist’s skin, age, or gender?
Unlike athletes whose physical talent and strength are absolutely important, artists may not need to consider their age too much in their career. In fact, for artists, age may not be a hindrance but another name for experience and knowledge as their philosophical approach to and understanding of art would have matured with time. However, there is one particular individual whose age seems to matter, or at least draws much attention, every time her art is discussed. It is artist Rose Wylie, aged 86, who is actively building her career at present.

Wylie was born in Kent, England. She majored in art but had to give up painting to raise a family after getting married. It appears marriage and subsequent childbirth and parenting affect women’s career all the same in East and West. Later she attended the Royal College of Art at age 45. She did not earn fame as an artist for years. Nevertheless she kept on drawing and painting everyday. Her passion for art was very much ablaze when finally she was noticed by some art experts.
In 2013, at age 79, she had her works exhibited in Tate Britain and Serpentine Gallery. She won the John Moores Painting Prize in the following year. Established by entrepreneur and philanthropist Sir John Moores to motivate painting artists, the contemporary art award is deemed the most honorable recognition among British painters.
has dubbed Wylie as one of ‘Britain’s hottest new artists.’ David Zwirner Gallery, one of the world’s largest art galleries, signed a contract with her, and her works are going up in value day by day.

To be revealed for the first time at the exhibition is Wylie’s drawing of Korean footballer Son Heung-min playing for Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur. She has previously created paintings of legendary football stars such as Wayne Rooney and Thierry Henry as her husband was a huge football fan. Considering the exhibition is being held in Korea, it is doubly meaningful that her newest work includes Son who is showing exceptional performances this season.
Also featured in the exhibition are extra-large original paintings that received plaudits from curator Hans Ulrich Obrist, who had topped the list of the most influential people in the artworld. Some paintings are over 6m tall.

The fourth room presents history-inspired paintings under the banner of ‘Archive of Inspiration.’ Although she uses various subject matters such as politics, religion, history, and money, she was still able to formulate witty, bright-colored scenes on canvas, without making them appear boring and confounding. The fifth room focuses on football. Having been influenced by her husband, she is currently a fan of Tottenham Hotspur. She turned the games and players she had seen on TV and newspapers, which of course includes Son Heung-min, into a series of paintings to be displayed.
The sixth room consists of works featuring natural elements such as animals, birds, and flowers that have inspired her. What’s interesting is Wylie sketched them in a size that fits her imagination. The final seventh room is dedicated to her self-portrait as well as paintings of girls and women. Having put a halt on her artist career after marriage and childbirth, Wylie tends to describe women in their most confident forms. She expresses her solidarity with and support of the female community through her paintings.
There is one extra space, separate from the official exhibition hall. It is a replica of Rose Wylie’s atelier in Kent, England, captured by photographer Kwon Soon-hak. Standing in front of the little room, you can easily imagine a 86-year-young girl covered in paint staring at her painting.

Location Seoul Arts Center Hangaram Art Museum
Duration Until March 28, 2021 (Closed every Mondays)
Hours 10:00-19:00
Inquiry +82-2-733-2798