Justin N. Kim

Justin N. Kim is a Korean-born painter who currently lives and works in Los Angeles, California. Kim creates color field paintings, maps, and circuit boards that visualize the melded relationships and connections found within man-made subjects and surroundings. He was published in Friend of the Artist Volume 15 in 2022 and earned his MFA degree from California State University, Northridge, in 2018.


Artist Statement

After years of painting hard-edge abstract works, I have recently begun an entirely different series, exploring more representational imagery. While my painting method hasn't changed—I have been using tape and a palette knife for as long as I can remember—the focus of this new series has shifted. The clean edges I see when peeling off the tape, along with the absence of brush strokes in my paintings, provide me with a sense of control and, thus, some comfort in my work.

Lately, I have been eager to venture into uncharted territory, seeking a deeper place of uncertainty. Perhaps this is where I can truly develop and evolve. Trusting the process means resisting the urge to return to my comfort zone, both mentally and spiritually, and allowing that struggle to manifest in my paintings. While I still prefer not to use a paintbrush, these newer works have resulted in an illustrative-graphic style. Some pieces feature more recognizable imagery, while others are amalgamations of simple shapes that read as abstract.

This new approach makes my brain work differently, which can be overwhelming—like doing taxes. Yet, I find joy in the challenges and difficulties it brings. Regardless of how others may categorize my work, I am relishing this journey into uncertainty and am excited to see where it may lead next.


www.jnkim.org