Meet Heejo Kim | Painter & Artist

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

Hi Heejo, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Reflecting on my journey, as a child, I was captivated by the stories I could create through painting and how the characters within them seemed to come to life. Looking back now, it’s fascinating to see how this ties into my current work. Naturally, I began my journey in art at a young age and eventually earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the arts, continuing my journey in the art world.

My path has not always been smooth. There was a moment when I found myself at a crossroads, needing to choose between pursuing a professional art career or opting for a non-art job, which led me to explore other paths. However, I ultimately returned to my passion for art, a career I’ve admired since my childhood.

Surprisingly, my exploration of other paths has become a source of inspiration for my art, reigniting my passion for pursuing an artistic career. In retrospect, I realize my thoughts during that period were centered around gender, identity, and ontology. My curiosity and desire to delve into these fields have since propelled me back into the artistic world with renewed vigor and determination.

Ultimately, I decided to stick with the professional artist career path, considering how far I had come and wanting to see where it would lead me. This decision led me to pursue an advanced degree in art at a top art school in the U.S. The two years of my master’s degree program, during which I solely focused on painting and interacted with fellow artists and faculty members, were truly inspiring. Moreover, being in a foreign environment away from family and friends in my home country provided me with the time and space to delve deeper into my emotions and self-reflection. These experiences have reinforced my dedication to my art.

Being a professional artist was a natural progression from these experiences. It allowed me to fully immerse myself in my passion, explore the themes that intrigue me, and share my work with a broader audience. The journey has been challenging but deeply rewarding, and it has solidified my commitment to my art and my career.

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.
In my oil paintings, the figures’ facial expressions remain hidden; in some pieces, their mouths and eyes are absent, revealing only noses and ears. It’s as though they are guarding their secrets or resting with closed eyes, creating a sense of suspended animation, reminiscent of dreams or memories. Despite their substantial physical presence, they seem to float, implying a temporal suspension with memory. Yet they also inhabit the present moment, infusing the void with their gentle gestures. Thus, every moment becomes an amalgamation of past and present for them. The self-imposed solitude and yearning for connection seem incompatible, yet they navigate a new form of communication through cautious body language.

Tenderness, to quote Roland Barthes, is an “infinite metonymy” for love. The figures’ tender gestures symbolize their longing to be loved by others. Even in close quarters, they maintain a respectful distance from each other, expressing a patient anticipation for affection, rather than seeking to possess it immediately. This distance serves as both a shield for their hearts and an active practice of giving love. Their love may require time to be fully acknowledged, but it remains ever-present. Their relationships are symbiotic, echoing the Buddhist concept of Dependent Arising, Yeongi-sull, which challenges the reality of the self while affirming existence through interactions with others and the environment. In essence, “I exist because of you and you exist because of me.”

The exploration of gender and identity in my paintings has evolved to center around defining the “I” amidst various situations and interactions. Each interaction or connection with others or objects contributes to the development or fluidity of one’s personal identity. This expansion leads to a broader sense of self, which I refer to as “I.”

Each artwork portrays moments of tenderness or care, with figures depicted ambiguously, blurring the lines of gender and race. This ambiguity invites viewers to project themselves onto the figures, facilitating a sense of presence within the depicted interactions. It underscores the notion that recognizing one’s presence, devoid of labels, can be a potent means of defining identity. This self-recognition emerges through experimentation, setbacks, experiences, and triumphs. Ultimately, my works serve as reminders of the significance of adolescent experiences and the tenderness that embodies love, fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging viewers to pursue their passions relentlessly.

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.
Baltimore City is full of amazing hidden gems that I’d love to show my best friend. First off, we’d definitely hit the Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) to check out their incredible collection, including works by Matisse and contemporary artists. The recent special show by Joyce J. Scott was fantastic, too.

After the museum, we’d head over to Hampden. It’s a great area for food, drinks, and vintage shopping. There are tons of cool places to eat and shops to explore. Then, we’d spend some time at the iconic Inner Harbor, home to the National Aquarium and historic ships. Plus, we can’t miss out on Baltimore’s famous seafood—especially crab cakes.

Baltimore also has a booming craft beer scene, so we’d definitely spend a day brewery hopping. There are so many gems to try!

I’d also take my friend to Fells Point. We’d grab some amazing chicken buns or bowls from Ekiben and stroll around the charming cobblestone streets. Nearby, Patterson Park is perfect for chilling out with its beautiful nature and cute ducks.

Mount Vernon is another favorite spot of mine. We’d visit the Walters Art Museum and explore the fantastic local galleries, which showcase a lot of local artists and host pop-up events.

Overall, Baltimore has so much to offer, from its vibrant art scene to delicious food and beautiful parks. It’s the perfect place to give my best friend an unforgettable experience!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Receiving constructive guidance from mentors is invaluable, regardless of your career stage. This is especially true when working alone in the studio. However, it’s important to recognize that mentorship doesn’t have to come from a single individual; multiple mentors can offer diverse perspectives and support.

After completing my program, transitioning from the structured environment of critiques and lectures to solitary studio work felt disorienting. Uncertainty lingered regarding the trajectory of my art and how it might be perceived by others. To navigate this phase, I adopted a proactive approach, inviting a multitude of people into my studio to gather their perspectives and insights. I reached out to fellow artists in my studio building, seizing any opportunity for engagement. Additionally, I organized informal critique sessions with fellow artists from my program, reminiscent of our previous interactions.

Yet, it’s crucial to exercise discernment when receiving feedback. Not every comment or piece of advice will align with your vision or contribute positively to your work. While each opinion holds value, integrating every suggestion indiscriminately risks diluting your artistic voice. As the creator, it’s essential to determine which feedback resonates with your personal and artistic development.

Therefore, I want to dedicate my shoutout to the community of artists and mentors who have supported me along the way. Their diverse perspectives, encouragement, and honest critiques have been instrumental in shaping my journey. Special recognition goes to my fellow artists from the Hoffberger program at MICA and the vibrant artistic community in my studio building. Their collective support has made a significant impact on my growth as an artist.

Website: https://www.heejokim0214.com/

Instagram: @heee__h