Artist in conversation: Brian Bogyeom Kim
As a designer and artist, the exploration of various materials and extensive visualization experience have significantly shaped Brian Bogyeom Kim's unique artistic style. During their studies in the UK, they discovered their own colour palette and learned to express ideas freely.
Recently, they have delved into the theme of the "Post-Plastic" era, driven by a disconnect with city life and a desire to preserve the light that once inspired them. This conceptual realm envisions a dystopian future shaped by excessive plastic production and pollution, expressed through imagery of exposed metal pipes and broken concrete.
While design offers a passive message delivery, pure art allows Brian Bogyeom Kim to convey unfiltered thoughts and emotions across various mediums!
What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
As a designer, my exploration of various materials and extensive visualization experience significantly shaped my unique artistic style. While studying in the UK, I discovered my own colour palette and learned to express my ideas freely. Collaborating with other artists allowed me to absorb their thought processes and integrate them into my own work.
In terms of subject matter, what themes or motifs do you frequently explore in your work, and what draws you to these topics?
Lately, I’ve been delving into the theme of the “Post-Plastic” era. As a designer, artist, and urban dweller, I’ve always felt a disconnect with city life. The damp, oppressive atmosphere contrasted sharply with my memories of a rural bus ride, where I glimpsed a sunlit field. My artwork aims to preserve the light that once inspired me.
Can you share the inspiration behind your choice to work on post-plastic themes, and how did you decide to express these themes through concrete and metal in your artwork?
Our excessive plastic production and disposal cause severe pollution from soil to air and water. “Post- Plastic” is a conceptual realm for me—a dystopian vision. In this imagined world, I visualize products with shapes akin to exposed metal pipes and rebar amidst broken concrete buildings.
Do you find that different mediums help you convey different emotions or messages?
While design feels familiar, its message delivery can be passive. Pure art, however, becomes an effective channel for expressing unfiltered thoughts and emotions. As a designer, I embrace various artistic mediums to convey my ideas without restraint.
Can you tell us about a project or illustration that you found particularly challenging or rewarding?
My recent exhibition piece, the Water Purifier, holds special significance as my debut artwork. Initially divergent from my vision, it evolved through research and experimentation. It lays the foundation for my upcoming “Products in Post-Plastic” series1.
How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?
I strive to embrace criticism positively. Absorbing various critiques, I focus on feedback that inspires me while ensuring it aligns with the overall concept. If there are clues that allow me to delve deeper into my work, I’m open to incorporating them.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
I believe in the momentum of effort, so I persistently immerse myself in the creative process. I view effort as a cool force rather than a heated one, maintaining a low temperature across all aspects of life.
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
Collaborating with The Holy Art Gallery for my debut career as an artist feels invigorating. Through this exhibition, I hope both myself and my artwork will experience significant growth.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
My primary goal is to continue the “Product Design in Post Plastic Era” project as a series. Through this ongoing endeavor, I aim to convey messages as both a designer and an artist.
What role does emotion play in your creative process, and how do you aim to evoke specific feelings or reactions from those who view your artworks?
To convey my emotions to the audience, I paradoxically rework them into a cooler, more rational form. Deconstructing my initial feelings, I extract essential elements and reconstruct inspiration. My intention is for viewers to gradually perceive both macro impressions and subtle details as they engage with my work.