We had the good fortune of connecting with DADA KIM and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi DADA, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’m fascinated by stories. The ones we’ve carried mouth to mouth since the beginning of humanity. The ones we invent to explain the sky, our neighbors, our mistakes. The ones we tell to teach, to entertain, to survive awkward dinners. We create to understand ourselves. It feels innate to me.

The truth is, I feel a lot. About people, about the world, about the strange and beautiful and heartbreaking things I notice every day. Art gives all of that somewhere to go.

Child's drawing of a face with large open mouth, big eyes, and raised hands, on a white paper background.

Four people sitting in a circle outdoors, engaged in conversation, with a drawing of a face and hand in the foreground.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What I’m most proud of is: I can still create. I’m still eager to create. It would be a lie to say I love everything I’ve ever made but those works were necessary steps to get to where I am today. And I want to believe that if I keep going, I can only get better.

I think a lot about people, places, and the quiet fabric of society that holds everything together. My photography series ‘I Sometimes Feel Alone in the Crowd’ was my effort to look beyond the Los Angeles spotlight to find the towns and the lives that don’t usually make the frame. ‘The Fantastic Circus of Oddballs’ is a drawing series I dedicated to the weirdos, the misfits, the ones who sometimes feel like they don’t belong, people like me.

I hope people feel the love and affection I pour into this work. That’s what I want to be known for, more than anything. Not just the art, but the care behind it.

Colorful abstract drawing with clouds, arrows, and a small vehicle, with the words 'AWAY AWAY' written on the left.

Person with black hair lying on a green couch, wearing a yellow top and white pants, against a pink background with stars.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
What I love most about LA is that you can get a taste of everything in a single day. The best art, the best views, the best food, the best vibes, all within reach.

I’d start with brunch at Destroyer in Culver City, the food is serious. Then we’d drive up to the Getty Museum and lose a few hours in the art and the views. There’s something about standing up there looking out over the city that never gets old.

From there, we’d head down the coast to Abbot Kinney in Venice, great shops, great energy, and the kind of street that rewards wandering. We’d end the evening at Dudley Market with a glass of wine, a Wagyu burger, and oysters as the sun goes down.

I could go on forever about this city. I never get tired of it, and I don’t think you would either.

A black and white illustration of three people, with one person upside down and two others facing each other, on a yellow background.

Colorful chalk drawing on blackboard with flowers, rain, and the words 'HOME' and 'LOVE' in red.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
All the great artists who came before me, and every artist working hard today. I believe artists are an amalgam of all the experiences and influences they’ve absorbed throughout their lives and I’m no exception. I have deep respect for every creative who continues to push the boundaries of what art can be and where it can go.

I also feel incredibly lucky to live in Los Angeles. Being constantly surrounded by amazing creatives, generous organizations, and a city that pulses with so much life and culture. It shapes me every single day. I don’t take that for granted.

Website: https://www.dadakim.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadakiim

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dadakiim

Person standing next to a purple car on a street with leafless trees and houses in the background.

Calm water with boats and a small structure, overcast sky, distant shoreline, and some rocks in the foreground.

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