Hun Kyu KIM - Artist - Perrotin

Artist Hun Kyu Kim is known for his allegorical, sentient works that layer complex histories, social issues, and pop culture to create his own fantastical, highly-intricate worlds. Laced with humor and satire, Kim’s detailed depictions of corruption, folly, and the perils of indulgence reveal a critical view of contemporary society. The surreal elements in his paintings—despite their innocent, illustrative quality—often serve to amplify these critiques, creating a striking contrast between the familiar and the grotesque.
 
Kim, drawing on his extensive background in art restoration and silk painting, and shaped by his South Korean heritage, has forged a distinctive visual language. His art is characterized by the meticulous inking of fine, delicate lines onto silk, a practice rooted in Korean Buddhist traditions and the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392 AD). By reimagining these ancient methods within a contemporary framework, Kim’s work transcends conventional boundaries, transforming his densely-populated creations into enigmatic portals that challenge rational interpretation and encourage contemplation.