Singer and artist Solbi has revealed that her highest-priced painting sold for 23 million KRW (approximately $17,000).
On the October 19th episode of TV CHOSUN's 'Gourmet Road with Heo Young-man,' Heo Young-man explored the culinary delights of Changnyeong, Gyeongsangnam-do, with Solbi, who is both a singer and a painter.
Solbi shared, "I go by Solbi when I'm singing and use my real name, Kwon Ji-an, when painting. I've been painting for 13 years and singing for 20 years." Regarding her current activities, Solbi mentioned, "I'm preparing for an exhibition. I'm currently exhibiting in Portugal, and I have a solo exhibition scheduled in Daegu starting in October."
Heo Young-man cautiously asked, "I shouldn't ask this, but how much do your paintings sell for? My daughter is also a painter, so I'm curious." Solbi responded, "About 400,000 KRW per ho (a traditional Korean unit of measurement for paintings)." Heo Young-man expressed his amazement, saying, "Wow, that's impressive." He then inquired about the price of her most expensive painting, to which Solbi replied, "23 million KRW." Heo Young-man jokingly remarked, "I might consider becoming a painter myself."
In 2017, Solbi performed a bold painting act on a music show. She explained, "I expressed the wounds and violence I've experienced as a woman through performance art, which sparked controversy. People questioned why I did it on a music show and suggested I should do it in an art gallery." She continued, "I don't believe that dancing and singing on stage is the only form of popular art. I wanted to showcase a new genre that combines music and art. Afterward, I was invited to an event in Paris."
Regarding her future plans, Solbi stated, "I enjoy expressing my dreams and turning them into tangible results. I've challenged myself as a scriptwriter and have started producing a short drama."
By Ji-won Kim, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr