Soorim Cultural Foundation is hosting a solo exhibition “Mergees” by Myeonbeom Kim (b. 1977), who is the recipient of Soorim Art Prize 2024, through February 28 at Kimheesoo Art Center.

Celebrating its 8th year, the Soorim Art Prize has been dedicated to supporting talented artists under the age of 50 who demonstrate a distinctive artistic vision. The 2024 recipient, Myeongbeom Kim, has been actively working both domestically and internationally since the early 2000s, creating sculptures, installations, and video works that embody the cultural sensibilities of our times.

Kim employs objects that carry contemporary cultural modes and sensitivities as his materials, combining them or staging specific scenarios. His works frequently feature a diverse range of elements, such as balloons, stones, snowflakes, and taxidermy deer—items that belong to phenomena or tangible matter.

While individually unremarkable, these objects are transformed in his works, shedding their ordinariness and familiarity. The materials, though seemingly connected, may appear contrasting or discordant, sharpening the viewer’s perception of their distinct characteristics.

The exhibition “Mergees” gathers Kim’s major past works, previously unseen pieces, and new works into one space. In this exhibition, Kim embraces the freedom to subvert the logic of materials, much like a poet who defies grammar for rhythm and sensory impact or a director who summons different times, spaces, and characters to create theatrical elements.

“Mergees”
2024.11.22 - 2025.02.28
Mon-Sat 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Kimheesoo Art Center
118, Hongneung-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, Korea

Ji Yeon Lee has been working as an editor for the media art and culture channel AliceOn since 2021 and worked as an exhibition coordinator at samuso (now Space for Contemporary Art) from 2021 to 2023.