Drift Away: 30 Soft, Soulful Paintings By Mulgil Kim Inviting Rest

Her work is defined by simplicity and stillness. No sharp lines, no loud colors — just quiet moments bathed in muted tones and gentle textures. With recurring motifs like boats, clouds, water, and solitary figures, Kim captures a world that’s not quite real but feels deeply familiar, as if pulled from a half-remembered dream.

Even her chosen name, “Mulgil,” which means “the way of water” in Korean, reflects her tranquil vision. Like a calm stream, her art meanders gently through emotional landscapes, always flowing, always soft.

At a glance, her paintings might seem minimal or even childlike — but there’s a quiet depth in that simplicity. Each piece radiates a kind of emotional stillness, giving viewers space to pause and just be.

Mulgil Kim’s figures are often alone, yet never lonely. They drift on boats, lie on clouds, or float weightlessly in water. Her art suggests that solitude can be comforting, and that rest isn’t laziness — it’s healing. Each painting offers a moment of peace — a visual sigh of relief. In a world that often demands we do more, Mulgil Kim reminds us that it’s okay — even beautiful — to do less. To pause. To rest. To drift away.

More info: Instagram | kimmulgil.com | blog.naver.com