Biography
Tae D. Kim-James is a contemporary artist celebrated for his distinctive approach to art. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Sculpture) from Seoul National University in South Korea and a Master of Architecture degree from Virginia Tech in the United States. Currently, he actively participates in the art scenes of both the Washington Metropolitan Area and New York. As a member of the Washington D.C. Korean American Artists Association, he recently hosted a successful solo exhibition titled "Relic" at the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Washington, D.C., and marked a significant milestone in his career with his debut solo exhibition titled "Fictional Archaeology" at the Geumboseong Art Center in Seoul, Korea, after two decades.
Kim-James's art challenges the conventional boundaries of time, encouraging viewers to reflect on the enigmatic essence of the modern world. He employs a distinctive approach, reimagining everyday objects from contemporary society as if they were relics unearthed in the distant future—a concept he refers to as "fictional archaeology." Using an array of materials and techniques, he crafts sculptures and installations that convey a sense of decay and corrosion, emphasizing the vulnerability of our culture and technology.
Kim-James boasts an impressive portfolio, including successful exhibitions such as appearances at Scope in Miami in 2021, 2022, and 2023. He has also been invited to showcase his work in solo exhibitions at esteemed venues like the KCC Gallery in 2016 and Gallery "7373" in 2021. In 2023, he has exhibitions planned in various locations around the world, including New York, Washington D.C., and Seoul. As an artist, Kim James is highly anticipated, and his future creations hold great promise for the art world.
"Fictional Archaeology"
In my artistic journey, I find deep inspiration in the concept of "Future Relics," as beautifully portrayed in the works of Daniel Arsham. My body of work extends an invitation to you, the viewer, to join me in contemplating the enigmatic nature of our contemporary world, a world where the boundaries between the past, present, and future blur and intertwine.
I re-imagine commonplace objects from our modern era as if they were artifacts discovered in a distant future. With a diverse palette of materials and techniques at my disposal, I craft sculptures and installations that evoke a sense of decay and corrosion. Through this, I aim to shed light on the inherent vulnerability in our culture and technology.
The concept of "Fictional Archaeology" challenges conventional notions of time and history, prompting us to critically question the narratives associated with objects in our immediate surroundings. It introduces a thought-provoking notion: What if these everyday objects, so mundane today, were revered as treasures by generations yet to come?
Through my artwork, I seek to foster a dialogue about the impermanence of material existence and the fluidity of time. I extend this invitation to you, asking you to reflect upon the interconnectedness of the present with the past and to ponder its significance for the future. Much like the artistry of Daniel Arsham, my aspiration is that my work kindles your curiosity, understanding, and profound contemplation.
"Fictional Archaeology" presents a fresh perspective on history, modernity, reality, and imagination, and it is my privilege to share this journey with you.
- Contemporary Artist Kim-James