KIM JUN
“SWALLOWED WHOLE IN ONE GULP,
THAT BUG HAD FLOWN STRAIGHT AT ME!
SINCE DESTINY GUIDES ALL LIFE.
WEREN’T WE BOTH KNOW AS ONE?
UNITED-NOT THROUGH OUR DEMISE-
WE EACH FOLLOW FATE ALIKE.”
Kim Jun, “Anti-Entropy”, 2004, Conte and Charcoal on Paper
Born in 1971 in Seoul, South Korea, Kim Jun´s artistic journey has been a remarkable fusion of cultures and experiences. In 1998, he embarked on a transformative chapter by relocating to Tokyo, Japan, where his creative spirit continued to flourish. It is within this intersection of cultures and life experiences that Kim Jun finds the inspiration for his unique and mesmerizing artworks.
Kim Jun, “One, the Land - A Traverse”, 2021, Archival pigment print
Kim Jun, “One, the Land - A Traverse”, 2021
Kim Jun, “One, the Land - A Traverse”, 2021, Archival pigment print
Kim Jun´s art is an intricate dance of lines and dots, meticulously layered to create visually stunning compositions. What sets his work apart is its profound connection to his own body, senses, a priori knowledge, and self-experience. His creative process is not just a mere expression of artistic vision; it is a deep exploration of his inner world, manifesting through the intricate tapestry of lines and dots.
Kim Jun, “One, the Land”, 2019, Ink on Paper
Since 2003, Kim Jun has been captivating audiences worldwide with his signature series, "ANTI ENTROPY," showcased in numerous solo and group exhibitions. Notably, in 2013, he presented "Kim Jun : Anti-Entropy" in a solo exhibition at See|Me Exhibition Space in New York, marking a significant moment in his artistic journey.
In recent years, he has ventured into new artistic territory with "ONE, the LAND," a project inspired by a powerful encounter on a mountain road. What began as video footage recorded in 2008-2009 has since evolved into "ONE, the LAND: A TRAVERSE" in 2021, incorporating elements from his earlier work and expanding it into a mesmerizing exploration of video and photography.
Kim Jun, “Dot Around Me”, 2021, acrylic on wood panel
Kim Jun artistic evolution mirrors his own life's journey, as he seamlessly integrates elements from both South Korea and Japan into his work. His art transcends borders and cultures, speaking a universal language that resonates with audiences around the world.
The artist contributions to the art world extend beyond his solo exhibitions. His participation in various group exhibitions, such as "The 60th Modern Art Association Exhibition" and "The 4th exhibition of Art Jam Doll Festival," showcases his ability to collaborate and share his unique artistic vision within a broader artistic community.
His dedication to his craft has garnered well-deserved recognition. He received the "Honorable Mention Award" in the "the Art Interview - 19th International Online Artist Competition" in 2010, and in 2012, he achieved the "Grand Prize Winner" in the "The Power of Self" Competition by ARTISTS WANTED in New York. These accolades serve as a testament to his artistic prowess.
“ONE STROKE with the charcoal on the surface—
That is how I start out.
At once my hand takes off
And it goes on with the drawing.
Then, I lose any sense of the materials
And I am no longer even aware of myself.
Only when it comes to the end,
Do l realize that I have been in another reality.
Neither a part of my physical presence
Nor within my spiritual being,
It is a reality of this world-
Yet, time stands still and form is indeterminate.
In this reality, there is only energy.
I see now that this energy is empowering me.
It is the impetus for me
To burst into a new period of creativity.
That is how I go on drawing.”
Kim Jun, DOT Around Me
Kim Jun statement about his artistic process provides a glimpse into the depths of his creative mind. His works are born from a single stroke, an act of creation that transports him to another reality. Within this world, time stands still, and forms are infinite. It is a world powered by energy, a force that propels him into new realms of creativity. Through his art, the artist invites viewers to join him in this boundless journey, where destiny and fate intertwine, and unity is found not in demise but in shared existence.
Learn More About Kim Jun HERE