Combining fiction and reality is difficult, even more so in paintings, while also using strong colors, different allegories, and historic elements. But Korean artist, Kim Hun Kyu manages to do it all.
Inspired by traditional Korean silk paintings and Japanese pop culture and animation, Kim uses cartoon characters to comment on social and political injustice. At first glance, the bright colors draw you in, but the intricate details and symbolism make you look longer.
Uncomfortable Parade (2022)
https://highart.fr/artists/hun-kyu-kim/
The “cute” animals portrayed like the pigs, cats, and fish all reference social hierarchy, and the busy scenes are really just people continuing their daily routines under the pressure of war, conflict, or political injustice.
Kim was raised in the late 80s right when Korea was beginning to loosen up in its political sphere. Living through this political change made him think about Korean history and its social problems. The artist’s research made him see things from a fresh point of view and become aware of differences in perspective from diverse backgrounds. This is why many of his paintings reflect the effects of neoliberalism and different belief systems.
Hun Kyu Kim‘s studio in the East London area of Bow.Credit
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/21/arts/hun-kyu-kim-korea-london.html
It’s not surprising that his greatest influence is Miyazaki Hayao, the director of Studio Ghibli. When he was growing up, Korea opened up to Japan’s culture, including their pop culture and animation. We can clearly see some similarities between the two artists through their use of fantastical elements and vivid colors. Princess Mononoke (1997) in particular was a big source of inspiration to Kim.
A concept sketch by Hayao Miyazaki from The Art of My Neighbor Totoro
https://animationobsessive.substack.com/p/how-to-paint-like-hayao-miyazaki
Kim Hun Kyu is now a London based artist, and though he sees himself as a workaholic who spends all day in his studio, his ambition and happiness from his artwork is still there. He wants to show off his work in “super-fancy galleries” not only in London but for the whole world.
“I love my work, and I love drawing, and I love this kind of small life. I just want to keep doing what I’m doing.”
See more of his works below:
8 o'clock (2020)
https://highart.fr/artists/hun-kyu-kim/
Two Sided Rooftop (2022)
https://highart.fr/artists/hun-kyu-kim/