An original work from an exhibition that Kian84 had sold for donation has been posted on a secondhand site at a premium price, drawing criticism.
Recently, an original painting of "Starlit Cheongdam" drawn by Kian84 appeared as a sales listing on a secondhand trading platform, attracting attention. The seller said, "I am disposing of it due to relocation," and added, "The motifs and oil painting texture are unique compared with other works. Please make offers only if you are truly interested."
At the same time, the seller listed the desired sale price for the item as 150 million won. This is several times the price at which it was sold at Kian84's solo exhibition.
Earlier, Kian84 held his first solo exhibition, "Full ownership," from Mar. 25 to Apr. 5, 2022. The story of his first solo exhibition was also covered on MBC's I Live Alone, and "Starlit Cheongdam" was included in the broadcast.
After the exhibition ended, Kian84 introduced the works on his channel "Life84," saying that for this exhibition he thought most about desire as the main theme — what I personally want most and what people want most. He said he thought Koreans cry, laugh and even take out lifelong loans, and to him that seems to be real estate. So he made real estate the main work, and the first thing he painted was "Starlit Cheongdam," he said, sharing the behind-the-scenes story.
About "Starlit Cheongdam," he said, "I often run along the Han River. When I run along the Han River, Cheongdam Xi always appears. To me it looks so cool. It feels like a treasure. Not a treasure seen in history books or national treasures, but these days people seem to think apartments along the Han River are treasures. The first thing I made was inspired by Van Gogh's 'Starry Night,' which I really like, so I parodied it to make this," showing his affection for each work.
Particularly, ahead of the exhibition Kian84 announced, "Because it is my first exhibition, all proceeds from painting sales after taxes will be donated." After the exhibition ended, Kian84 shared that he had donated 87 million won to the Incheon Metropolitan City Child Welfare Association, saying, "The net profits from paintings sold at this exhibition were donated to the child welfare association. They will be used for art education expenses for 15 youths nationwide in childcare who want to learn art. Thank you," touching many.
Kian84's meaningful good deed drew praise from colleagues including Lee Si-eon. But many expressed anger that a painting Kian84 sold for a good cause was being resold at a high price of 150 million won, far exceeding the original cost. That amount is double the total proceeds of Kian84's first solo exhibition.
Already in 2024, Kian84's work "Life adjustment time 4" was listed for sale at 30 million won, sparking controversy. With the same thing happening again, criticism is pouring in. As the controversy spread, the sales listing has now been deleted.
[Photos] OSEN DB, Life84, online community
[OSEN]