WATCH THE VIDEOS

Hank Kim
Hank Kim

Hank Kim (b. 1972)’s art is rooted in “Everyday Life Aesthetics,” drawing on vernacular histories and blending personal perspectives. Super Babies are on view, configured in bold proportions with sharply defined silhouettes. The aesthetic employs a minimal vocabulary to explore symbols of power. Through solid forms rendered in vibrant colors on sleek, durable surfaces, Kim distills ideas and references into basic forms. Whimsical and highly sculptural, these animated cels become relics of moments such as a single flight or eventual arrival. Minwha is a Korean folk art genre from the late Joseon Dynasty that subtly mocks the rigid aristocracy through lively colors and humor. Kim grafts these traditional Korean Pop Art motifs into modern sculpture—honest depictions of daily life and a desire to transcend reality as a superman. This anti-hero manifests his journey as an immigrant, family man, and artist. Kim’s work is built on memories of Danchung and the Obangsaek—the Korean five-color scheme. It represents a collective desire for cosmic harmony, stability, and peace, incorporating Western art influences and American Pop Art. It also reflects his embrace of life’s mud, a Japanese notion of wabi-sabi—finding beauty in imperfection—and Nietzsche’s Übermensch, which seeks self-mastery and dominance. While Kim’s approach champions life’s humble beauty, it ultimately points to hope and positivity. David Super Baby echoes in its vividness and flatness an arc toward a contemporary aesthetic. Hank Kim has held numerous solo exhibitions and has participated in over 300 group exhibitions. He earned a BFA in painting from Suwon University, an MFA in painting from Sungshin University, and an MFA in sculpture from Lehman College, CUNY. He lives and works in New Jersey.

KOREAN RHAPSODY

Poise and Punchline is a polyphonic exploration of contemporary Korean aesthetics through seven distinct voices. Spanning sculpture, installation, and painting, these artists prove that humor and refinement are complementary tools for social critique and rich emotional resonance

KOREAN CONTEMPORARY ART

Poise and Punchline

November 2026

Categories: press

Tags: