VLAB is pleased to present Kwang Hyun Kim´s new exhibition “LONELY SKINS” from the 6th to the 15th of July 2023. This exhibition features new paintings, being the first presentation from the artist celebrated with the Gallery in Madrid. 

Born in 1982 in Busan, the South Korean artist Kwang Hyun Kim depicts emotions such as introspection, loneliness and passion through intriguing characters.

Born in 1982 in Busan, the South Korean artist Kwang Hyun Kim depicts emotions such as introspection, loneliness and passion through intriguing characters. Kim's style is deeply influenced by his father's artwork as a cartoonist and Buddhist. His inspiration can be seen in the different styles and techniques used in these types of arts, creating his personal style, which is both complex and thought-provoking. The artist's paintings, done in detailed acrylic on canvas, feature intriguing characters with odd expressions, often depicted in a state of introspection, as if being in a trance.

Kim's style is deeply influenced by his father's artwork as a cartoonist and Buddhist

The main themes portrayed in Kim's artwork are loneliness, contemplation and passion, bringing the light to the beauty and also the pain which can be found in human nature. Even though the figures portrayed are often alone, they are not lonely. These characters are lost deep in their thoughts, contemplating questions that life and the universe brings.

The main themes portrayed in Kim's artwork are loneliness, contemplation and passion, bringing the light to the beauty and also the pain which can be found in human nature

These odd facial expressions mentioned previously are a key part of Kim´s style, given they convey the emotional intensity of his paintings. They appear contorted or exaggerated, suggesting deep inner turmoil and intense emotions. These facial expressions also depict other emotions like passion, portrayed by the sense of urgency motivated by an inner desire of the characters.

Even though the figures portrayed are often alone, they are not lonely. These characters are lost deep in their thoughts, contemplating questions that life and the universe brings.

With these paintings, the viewer is invited to a moment of self-reflection while appreciating the piece. Through his work, the artist reminds the public of the importance of taking time for introspection and self-reflection.

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1. What inspires your artwork?

My source of inspiration is deadlines. When I stand on the precipice of a deadline, I encounter an angel of inspiration that I don't usually feel.

2. Who are your favorite artists and why?

I have no one. I grew up with my parents who were artists, so I have been exposed to many world famous paintings through books and media since I was very young. When I was six or seven years old, I think I felt a lot of emotions such as fear, beauty, and sexuality throughout the whole category of "Painting" rather than just a favorite one. Even now, I respect and love all the strengths and characteristics of each artist more than any one artist. 

I have no one. I grew up with my parents who were artists, so I have been exposed to many world famous paintings through books and media since I was very young

3. Apart from using the character expressions for conveying deep emotions, does the color palette have the same aim?

Yes, the content and meaning that I want to show through my painting consists of their expressions and actions, different objects, and colors. For me, the color palette is such a big part of my painting that some paintings are more important in color than facial expressions. So the time to choose and choose colors is a very large part of my work process.

4. Do you like to use other mediums for your artwork?

Yes, I always think a lot about that. I'm thinking of a better way to make my paintings go in a better direction. However, the materials currently used are still being used because they are most suitable compared to other materials. And later, I also plan to make sculptures.

5. Can you talk about the flowers in some of your paintings? Some of them seem to have eyes.

They are flower-shaped, but they are not essentially flowers. What appears to be a petal represents the tongue, and the middle part is the shape of the eyeball. Among the human sensory organs, I thought that the tongue and eyes represent human instinctive needs, and tried to express the duality of human desire by comparing them to flowers, a symbol of beauty.

What appears to be a petal represents the tongue, and the middle part is the shape of the eyeball. Among the human sensory organs, I thought that the tongue and eyes represent human instinctive needs, and tried to express the duality of human desire by comparing them to flowers, a symbol of beauty

6. What is your dream project as an artist?

I want my painting style to be my name in the future. It is my dream that not only the form of the painting but also the color and method of the painting remain as one in the world. This is the most important project for me right now

7. How is a day of work in the studio for you?

I literally only work in the studio. Going to the gym from home, doing a quick workout, and then going to the studio is my daily routine. Because my work requires a lot of time, so if I do anything else, it would be a big stress for me. So some people say that I don't know the joys of life. But I enjoy this the most at the moment. 

8. Which art styles do you like most?

I like art where people are the main subjects. I always feel frustrated because I can't escape the limit of being a human. Therefore, it is always fun to see art that presents new human interpretations or new expressions. I prefer unrealistic expressions as if they were realistic rather than abstract styles.

I like art where people are the main subjects. I always feel frustrated because I can't escape the limit of being a human