Opening Reception | BongJun Kim: A Retrospective

Following a prolific career employing artwork as a voice for the oppressed, acclaimed Korean social figure and artist, BongJun Kim presents a series of works celebrating historical and contemporary Korean tradition and culture within the context of the world stage. This exhibition features work spanning the artists career.  

BongJun Kim, Scene of Making Kimchi for Winter, 2024, acrylic on canvas , 550x155cm

Bongjun Kim graduated from Hongik University in 1979 with a degree in sculpture amidst Korea’s political upheaval. His art emerged as a voice against state violence, expressing solidarity with farmers and labor unions while championing peace, human rights, and democracy. After the 1980 Gwangju Democratization Movement, where he became a wanted dissident, Kim’s experiences fueled his dedication to art that speaks for the people.

Exploring visual expressions rooted in “Asian brush” techniques and the vibrancy of folk culture, Kim revived Joseon-era aesthetics through Buddhist and folk-inspired artworks, blending tradition with modern narratives. His notable work, The Spring Fight, exhibited in New York, showcases his commitment to democratic ideals and peace.

Now, with a vision of showcasing K-art internationally, Bongjun Kim aims to bring his blend of Korean cultural depth and global modernist influence to the U.S. through diverse media, embodying a unique East-West artistic fusion. This Opening Reception will feature live Korean calligraphy painting by the artist.

Bongjun Kim, The God of the Earth Ritual,  2023, acrylic on canvas, 500x160cm