Fate and Desire Interpreting Mythological Themes in Her Art
Initiated and organized by The Bridge Arts Foundation, the 'SOLILOQUY' Open Call Exhibition is currently being held at The Scholart Selection Gallery in San Gabriel, California, and will run until August 17th, 2024.
Bridge Arts Foundation's Art Director, Tia Xu, engaged in a conversation about the exhibition and art with several artists participating in this exhibition. In this interview, we have the pleasure of speaking with artist Rosie Kim.
—— Q&A ——
Photo courtesy of artist.
Tia Xu: Could you please share your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in art?
Rosie Kim: I was born in Korea in 1993. I didn’t have a specific career goal when I was a kid, but my interests have always been diverse, spanning music, film, art, and design. Growing up in various cities and countries has deeply influenced my art, leading me to explore themes of intimacy, human connections, and the interplay between emotion and nature as a nomad. I studied jewelry and silversmithing for my undergraduate degree and recently completed my MFA in Fine Arts at the School of Visual Arts. While it still feels a bit strange to label myself as an “artist,” I began to see myself as one after finishing my MFA. This transition from the design field to fine arts allowed me to delve deeper into these themes and explore a broader spectrum of artistic expression, particularly focusing on painting and sculpture.
Tia Xu: What does "SOLILOQUY" mean to you, and how does your artwork explore this theme? Can you tell us the story behind your artwork from the exhibition?
Rosie Kim, Untitled (Leda), 2024, Oil, oil pastels, and pigments on linen, 60 x 72 x 1 in (152.40 x 182.88 x 2.54 cm). Photo courtesy of artist.
Rosie Kim: “Soliloquy” to me signifies a private dialogue that goes beyond external perceptions. I reflected this as a journey of self-examination and discovery, navigating the intricate pathways of one’s mind to find clarity amidst the chaos of thoughts and emotions.
My series “Untitled I (Leda)” takes its inspiration from the mythological story of Leda in Greek mythology, exploring themes of desire, fate, and choice from a modern perspective. The use of a refined palette of white tones in my paintings symbolizes the ever-shifting nature of desire, mirroring Leda’s transformative experiences. Each brushstroke and layer of color captures the fluidity of desire, encouraging viewers to delve into the complex interplay of lines and hues that depict the multifaceted nature of our deepest yearnings.
Through this series, I aim to portray a timeless exploration of introspection and transformation, where desire is expressed as a visual poetry of changing tones and intricate forms. This body of work reflects my own internal dialogues and resonates with universal human experiences, offering viewers a chance to connect with their personal reflections and broader societal themes. “Soliloquy” becomes a conduit between the internal world of the individual and the external realities we all face, enhancing our understanding of ourselves and our relationships with others.
Tia Xu: How does your cultural background influence your art?
Photo courtesy of artist.
Rosie Kim: I was born in Korea but spent my teens and twenties in the US and UK, which significantly permeated my work. Growing up in Korea, I was naturally introduced to an abundance of Eastern principles that shaped my early understanding of art and aesthetics. The United States and the United Kingdom provided a diverse and dynamic environment during my adolescence and adulthood, influencing how I developed into the artist I am today with a colorful point of view.
Even though I don’t have a Greek or Roman heritage, my roots of inspiration often come from Greek mythology and Western philosophy. The portrayal of gods as inherently human in these traditions has always fascinated me, blurring the lines between truth and fiction. My experiences, particularly visiting the Louvre and Rodin Museum during my undergraduate years, profoundly influenced my utilization of Greco-Roman and Renaissance visuals. I was captivated by the mastery of form and texture, the ethereal quality of movement, and the captivating realism juxtaposed with dream-like elements.
This blend of Eastern and Western influences creates a dialogue in my art that resonates with a broad audience while staying true to my personal journey and experiences.
Tia Xu: What materials and techniques do you prefer to use in your art, and could you explain your choices?
Rosie Kim: I prefer using pigments, oil sticks, and pastels instead of traditional oil paints. These materials allow me to achieve a greater range of textures and effects, particularly with splash techniques that create unexpected and spontaneous marks. This method of mark-making brings a dynamic and organic quality to my work.
Fuzziness and translucence are also important elements in my art. I often employ techniques that create a sense of sheerness and layering, which helps to express the complexity of emotions. Laying thin layers of color is crucial in my process as it enables me to build depth and subtle variations in tone, capturing the intricate and ever-changing nature of human experiences. This approach aligns with my thematic focus on intimacy, human connections, and the interplay between emotion and nature, allowing me to convey these concepts with nuance and depth.
Photo courtesy of artist.
Tia Xu: What emotions or ideas do you hope viewers will take away from experiencing your artwork?
Rosie Kim: I hope viewers will bring their own perceptions and interpretations to my artwork, as each individual’s perspective on life can shape their experience of the art.
My series delves into timeless concepts such as desire, fate, and the consequences of choice, inspired by mythological narratives but presented through a modern lens. By employing a nuanced palette of white tones with layers of rusty hues, I aim to evoke the fluidity and impermanence of desire. The overlapping elements reflect the complexities and elusiveness of longing, encouraging viewers to engage with the shifting nature of desire and the challenge of defining our deepest longings.
Ultimately, I want the artwork to resonate on a personal level, allowing each viewer to interpret and connect with the themes in their own unique way. Through this engagement, I hope my work inspires introspection and a deeper understanding of the intricate nature of human emotions and connections.
The Bridge Arts Foundation's "SOLILOQUY" Open Call Exhibition Installation View, Photo: ©The Bridge Arts Foundation / Luna Hao
ABOUT OPEN CALL EXHIBITION PROGRAM
The Bridge Arts Foundation's "SOLILOQUY" Open Call Exhibition Installation View, Photo: ©The Bridge Arts Foundation / Luna Hao
Bridge Arts Foundation's Open Call Exhibition Program is designed to provide support for early-career artists. The "SOLILOQUY" Open Call Exhibition has thoughtfully selected 18 talented artists from over 500 submissions, employing a selection process that involves art professionals. "SOLILOQUY" opens from July 13th to August 17th, 2024.
ABOUT ARTIST
Rosie Kim
Lives and Works in New York
Rosie Kim is a multi-disciplinary artist based in Brooklyn, NY. She holds a B.A. (Hons) in Silversmithing and Jewellery Design from The Glasgow School of Art (2018) and recently completed her MFA in Fine Arts at the School of Visual Arts (2023). Her work has been showcased in galleries across Europe and New York City, drawing inspiration from mythology, poets, and the rich traditions of ancient Greece and Rome.
Exploring themes of intimacy, human connections, and the interplay between emotion and nature, Kim employs semi-abstract forms and subtle, low-saturated textures. Her art symbolizes the ever-changing nature of desire and the intricacies of defining our deepest longings.
Through evocative imagery and a focus on the inner journey of desire, Kim’s work prompts introspection and invites audiences to reflect on the mysteries beyond. By challenging traditional interpretations, her series offers new perspectives on universal themes, encouraging deeper contemplation of the complexities of human experience.