Sun Ae Kim Interview

Check out this interview with gallery artist Sun Ae Kim featured on Arts THREAD this week... 

Tell us about your background and inspiration?

I was born in Seoul, South Korea and completed my B.F.A there and moved to London in order to do an MA at the Royal College of Art. Now I live in London – since 2008. I am interested in European ceramics, especially English satirical ceramics from the 18th century and the 19th century. Figurines that were made for striking up a conversation on a table inspire me, along with the historical background of that time.

Since Eve ate apples, much depends on dinner, Sun Ae Kim

Talk us through the pieces on your ARTS THREAD portfolio:

Since Eve ate apples, much depends on dinner: I find the subject of ‘courtship’ intriguing, curiously so, the behaviour and attitude/actions of today’s society to intimate relationships, also the study of how couples meet and why they seem to break up so easily these days. My images reflect upon marriage today, presenting Queen Eve, an ordinary lady living in London, and her personal life, then presenting her story on the plates and the centrepieces on the dinner table. The idea is that people can get involved in puzzling out the story or create a sequence during their meal.

Teatotalism: Inspired by the Staffordshire figure group called ‘Teetotal and ale bench’ in the 19th century I made a series of 21st century versions. The story shows how a couple is destroyed due to binge drinking.

Teatotalism, Sun Ae Kim

What are you working on now and what are your plans for the future?

I am mainly working on developing ideas and research into the drinking culture in England at the moment. I am also researching and investigating into ‘A Contemporary, Visual Interpretation of Social Issues Through Ceramics Practice Informed by Early Nineteenth Century English Precedents’.

My future plan is to be a professional artist, established in UK market. I would like to be involved in teaching as well.

If someone wants to work with you on a project, how should they get in touch with you and with what sort of projects?

I am open to collaborations with other artists and designers. I am mainly doing ceramics, however I enjoy pushing the boundaries towards other genres. The best way to contact with me is via e-mail. Any interesting projects are welcome, whether it is contemporary, history-related, fashion or fine art.