Kim Joon Crashing
Press Release
From June 15th through July 30th, 2016, Waterfall Mansion and Gallery will present their first major solo exhibition of the acclaimed and renowned international artist, Kim Joon. Focusing on the tension and balance between our current identity, and who we wish to be, Kim uses tattoo-like images and artificial skin textures on computer generated bodies and creates a crash of identities.
Using tattoo as a form of expression, Kim reveals deeply imprinted desires and obsessions on his mind. In his early works, to demonstrate repression towards individuals under the social convention, he started making a discourse on the relationship of body and tattoo. Tattoos are a cultural taboo and the act of getting a tattoo is still legally restricted in Korea. Virtually reproducing tattoos on computer rendered flesh in the 00s, Kim used motifs such as clouds, dragons, traditional symbols, and luxury brand labels mapped on the human body, causing a friction of shape, texture, and patterns.
In terms of methodology Kim chose 3D animation techniques for his digital prints and video art to explore the intervals of mixing the host and objects of desire. In the series of “Blue Jean Blues” and “Drunken”, the body became more fragile by being made of ceramic. Recently, as seen in “Somebody” and “Forest”, the bodies are fragmented and distorted. This hybrid form creates uncanny and uncomfortable balancing acts by crashing the real vs. fake, old vs new, who we want to be vs. who we are, self-definition vs. cultural expectations.
Furthermore, Kim invites the viewer into the crashing of their own identities, and reflect upon their own tensions and conflicting forces of identity formation and where true value in life is placed.
Kim Joon Crashing is curated by Doo Eun Choi, Kate Shin, and the Waterfall Mansion and Gallery team.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Kim Joon (Born in Seoul, 1966) is known for his hyper-realistic use of textures and shapes in dynamic and unique compositions. The result of his work is reminiscent of surrealism with an energetic approach. The focus of the taboo tattoo culture in Korea has gained him international attention.
Kim Joon is a MFA and BFA from Hongik University in Seoul where he currently lives and works. He is Professor of Animation at Kongju National University in Seoul.
ABOUT WATERFALL MANSION AND GALLERY
Waterfall Gallery is a contemporary art gallery hidden away as a gem on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Kate Shin, founder and creator of Waterfall Mansion and Gallery, designed and developed a place of “Artful Living” - her unique vision of where art intersects life. Prior to this, three generations of artisans and craftsmen, the Tillett family, used the carriage house as a studio since the 40's. In honor of the heritage of the property, Shin designed the facade referencing a painting of the building from the 40’s. The famous 20 foot waterfall provides a stunning environment for art viewing. Waterfall Mansion and Gallery’s vision is to create dynamic and powerful artful experiences by working with prolific artists to create contemporary art, working to curate exhibitions that showcase and tell provocative stories, and empower people through art education. Waterfall Mansion and Gallery builds a platform to connect artists to the top 1% of collectors, culture and taste makers, and international opportunities.
VISITOR INFORMATION
For private buyers tours or collectors tours, or information for future event inquiries, please contact Elias Popa at elias@waterfallmansion.com.
Open to the Public on Saturdays from 12 - 5 PM.
170 E 80TH STREET NEW YORK, NY 10075
Please Visit WWW.WATERFALL-GALLERY.COM for more information.
