Artist
Min Kim
Min Kim (김민) is a photographer, who endeavours orbit around the human experience, striving to dismantle traditional viewpoints through the creation of enigmatic images. She is driven by the belief that capturing the inherent ambiguity of everyday life encourages viewers to engage in profound self-reflection and pose philosophical inquiries. The act of observing others and embarking on a journey of self-philosophising, questioning her identity, actions, and the emotions evoked by the gaze upon others, holds significant value in her creative process. Fundamentally, her approach involves observing subjects from a multitude of perspectives, fostering a desire for the viewers' gaze to be diverse and impartial while immersing themselves in the artwork.
Q1. What inspires the artist?
Min is inspired by her the ordinary experiences and encounters she has each day, especially while walking down the street. She captures the inherent ambiguity of everyday life, encouraging deep self-reflection. Her creative process involves observing others, questioning her identity, and exploring the emotions evoked by these observations. By approaching subjects from diverse perspectives, she strives to engage viewers impartially.
Q2. What does being a female artist mean?
Min Kim believes it is about embracing and expressing her unique viewpoint in a world where diverse perspectives are needed. It involves capturing the world through the lens of the female gaze, highlighting experiences and narratives that might otherwise go unnoticed. This perspective allows Min to challenge traditional stereotypes and present a more authentic portrayal of women and their stories. Ultimately, being a female artist means contributing to a richer, more inclusive artistic landscape, inspiring others to value their unique experiences.
Q3. How does Korean culture influence artist's art?
Min discusses how her deep involvement with the unique aspects of Korean culture, particularly its collective way of thinking and acting, has shaped her perspective. This experience has motivated her to shed light on individual differences and personal stories, transforming her desire to focus on each person's unique viewpoint and narrative.
Q5. What projects are currently being worked on?
Q4. Who are the female artist role models, and why?
Min is inspired by Gaby Laurent's photographic series "Falling," which explores loss and new beginnings through choreographed falls. Influenced by feminist and performative art, Laurent's images depict moments of surrender and control, inviting viewers to reflect on their relationship to daily experiences. Kim finds the series evokes a range of emotions, drawing attention to the visceral reaction of witnessing a fall and the tension between accidental falls and intentional defiance, as Laurent inevitably rises again.
Min is currently working on capturing the scenes of downtown Seoul, where the past and present are intricately intertwined. She is focusing on the distinctive aspects of how the appearance of each city differs subtly within the same metropolitan area.
​Waterloo, 2023
Photography, 50.8 x 76.2 cm
Previous Room, 2024
Photography, 50.8 x 40.6 cm
Bankside, 2022
Photography, 50.8 x 76.2 cm
Old Gateway, 2024
Photography, 50.8 x 40.6 cm
Min’s photographic works concern the relationship between humanity and the built environment. Through this series, Min explores how individuals interact with urban and personal spaces, symbolising adaptation and resilience in the face of change and displacement. ‘Waterloo’ and ‘Bankside’ capture urban spaces, where prompt passersby to reflect on their identity and purpose in an evolving world. In contrast, documenting her visits to ancestral spaces, Min focuses on heritage and memory in ‘Previous Room’ and ‘Old Gateway’. Together, these four images bridge public and private realms, illustrating the multifaceted journey of migration, settlement, and the shifting nature of identity.