Xi‘an KIM

Xi‘an Kim expertly crafts everyday objects and creatures into captivating, lifelike forms that exude a subtle, otherworldly charm. “I delve into the core of subjects by reconstructing familiar objects in an unconventional and direct manner,” the artist elaborates.

Kim has a strong background in printmaking, having studied at both the Academy of Arts and Design, Tsinghua University and the Central Academy of Fine Arts in China. She is currently located in Korea and specializes in creating paintings that reimagine organisms and objects, giving them a unique texture reminiscent of smooth plastic. “Traveling between Korea and China has allowed me to encounter and develop a unique perspective on the cultures of both countries.” she described the forms and landscapes depicted in her paintings as a ‘utopia’ constructed based on her own vision.

She employs a unique artistic process that involves the initial transformation of various objects and creatures into elegantly smooth forms. She characterizes it as a method of simplifying the intricacies of the real world. She skillfully blends together coarse, textured surfaces reminiscent of stone and sand with the delicate strokes of an airbrush, resulting in captivating visual juxtapositions.

Kim is presenting a collection of artworks at Kiaf that have been crafted using a unique and innovative process. She recently revealed a series of artworks that portray inanimate objects awakening and moving about within a museum during the hours of slumber. “In this exhibition, I am further exploring these concepts by integrating elements of contemporary and futuristic periods to infuse my paintings with an ethereal ambiance,” She elaborates.

Kim considers the blending of Eastern influences to be a defining characteristic of her artistic endeavors. Kim’s artistic approach diverges from the common trend among Korean artists who fuse Korean and Western cultures. Instead, she explores the intriguing nuances between Korean and Chinese cultures, highlighting their similarities and differences. “This distinctive background has expanded my perspective and enabled me to discover unforeseen subjects and convey them through my artworks,” she elaborates.

When it comes to her drive, she expresses, “Leading a life as an artist may present its challenges, yet I find solace in the fact that art is not only my forte, but also my greatest source of delight. I am constantly inspired by the subjects that I wish to express. Her main objective is “to actively participate in ongoing artistic endeavors for an extended period,” which she considers to be the ultimate aspiration for an artist.

Lately, Kim has been delving into concepts surrounding the future and virtual realms. “Virtuality is the concept of something that presents itself as real, even though it lacks objective existence. This theme resonates harmoniously with my artistic creations that evoke a sense of familiarity intertwined with an ethereal essence. I am diligently working on expanding my creative endeavors, with the hope of bringing to life numerous stories that have long inspired me. I aspire to transform these narratives into captivating artworks, as long as circumstances permit me to persist in my passion for painting. Her goal is to produce artworks that are easily comprehensible to viewers, avoiding any unnecessary complexity. “I aim for viewers to perceive my artworks as relatable, as they depict familiar everyday existences,” she expresses. “I hope that my composed demeanor, wit, and even moments of social unease are embraced with a sense of familiarity.”

Kim’s artistic approach is a captivating blend of transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. By skillfully blending elements of reality with a touch of the surreal, the artist invites viewers to delve into the essence of objects and engage with them on a deeper level.

Xi’an KIM, Still life 301, 2024, Acrylic on canvas, 117x91cm