Re-envision
Antonio Kim
AUGUST 3 – 24, 2024
OPENING RECEPTION, SATURDAY, AUG 3, 5 - 9PM
LAUNCH GALLERY
170 S. LA BREA AVE.
LOS ANGELES, CA 90036
LAUNCH Gallery is proud to present three solo shows of Los Angeles based artists, Nurit Avesar, Nancy Ivanhoe and Antonio Kim. These artists were selected from a group of 28 artists juried into Contemplating Boundaries, an open-call juried exhibition, by TeaYoun Kim-Kassor (Otis College) and Mika Cho (Cal State LA) presented at The Korean Cultural Center in July, 2023. Their command of materials present inspiring examples of contemporary art making today in Los Angeles.
Antonio Kim
Growing up, traditional Korean ceramic forms were always revered and treasured in my eyes. They stood as testaments to long-established static and unchanging societal and cultural values of Korea. However, as an adult, I strive to challenge this narrative—not to diminish the reverence these ceramic forms command, but to innovate upon them in a way that encapsulates a deeper, more nuanced understanding of Korean-centric emotions of the modern.
For me, human emotion is a pivotal vehicle for connecting external cultures to the Korean understanding of self and place within the broader world. Through ceramics, particularly porcelain, I convey my own historical comprehension of Koreanness, while also acknowledging the influence of my American background through the manipulation of the ceramic forms. The tactile, three-dimensional nature of ceramics allows my audience to engage fully with my artwork, creating an immersive emotional experience. I aim to create artworks that resonate on a profound emotional level, fostering a deeper connection and understanding between diverse cultural perspectives.
About the Artist
Antonio Kim, a Korean-American artist from Long Beach, California, is redefining the traditional Korean ceramic form through a modern lens. With a profound appreciation for historical artistry, Antonio holds a BFA in International Policy Studies from Reed College, which enriches his understanding of pivotal historical artworks and informs the rich history that impacts his creative process.
Antonio's work embarks on a thoughtful exploration of how to convey the rich historical knowledge of Korean ceramics from the 13th to the 17th century to a modern audience. His medium of choice is porcelain, a tribute to the master potters of bygone eras. By primarily utilizing his hands as his main tool, he aims to revive the authentic Korean throwing experience, creating artworks that resonate with both tradition and modernity. Antonio Kim's art bridges the past and present, reflecting his dedication to preserving and modernizing the rich heritage of Korean ceramics.
Most recently, Antonio has won awards from the City of Costa Mesa for his redefinition of the Korean “Maebyeong” ceramic form and was invited as a guest lecturer at Cal State University Channel Islands. He has been recognized by the Santa Paula Art Museum as a 30 under 30 in the state of California and has featured on prominent Korean publications such as The Korea Daily, Korea Times, and SBS America.
LAUNCH LA believes exposure to the arts enhances quality of life and strengthens community for all through the shared appreciation of creative expression in all its forms and hybrids. LAUNCH LA is passionate about providing all artists regardless of race, color, creed or sexual orientation with quality opportunities to present themselves and their creations that reflect our times to a curious and enthusiastic audience at important happenings throughout Los Angeles.
Media Contact:
James Panozzo