Heejoo Kim solo show
Temporal, spatial, cultural, and social restrictions confine the eidetic vision that emerges from daily experiences. Everyday encounters spark profound questions and vivid imaginings, yet they often collide with the rigidity and conventions of the physical and social world. Heejoo Kim’s practice stems from a deep desire to transcend these limitations through virtual media, particularly from the perspective of underrepresented communities. The simulated domain serves as a means of liberating both conceptual and physical environments, expanding the boundaries of what is possible. For Kim, the process of creating digital mixed media is imbued with nostalgia for traditional art forms such as painting and sculpture—yet, paradoxically, it is fully realized within the intricate digital realm.
Kim’s current research extends her exploration of marginalized communities, driven by her commitment to anti-discrimination and tolerance. Her work reflects a hopeful vision for humanity, continuously investigating adaptable emerging technologies to address contemporary social and cultural issues. Through these media, she examines hidden social narratives, challenging viewers to reconsider their preconceptions—not only about these issues but also about the evolving role of technology in shaping discourse.
An internationally recognized, award-winning new media artist and experimental mixed-media filmmaker, Kim focuses on critical social issues, including microaggressions, feminism, elder abuse, racism, and psychological themes. Her interdisciplinary approach merges storytelling with emerging technologies, pushing the boundaries of visual narratives in contemporary media.
Her films and installations have been showcased at prestigious festivals, conferences, and galleries worldwide, earning numerous accolades, including Best Experimental Film and Best of Show at highly competitive international film festivals and academic conferences. Beyond her artistic practice, she has played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of new media art and film. She has served as a director, curator, coordinator, and adjudicator for leading international animation and new media art festivals, fostering global conversations on digital media’s evolving role.
An accomplished educator, Kim has held faculty positions at institutions, including the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (Art and Technology Studies), Columbia College Chicago (Interactive Arts and Media), Bowling Green State University (Digital Arts), and the University of Montana (Media Arts). She currently teaches at the University of Connecticut, where she continues to inspire the next generation of media artists.
Her dedication to experimental storytelling, social advocacy, and technological innovation is instrumental in shaping the dynamic and ever-evolving realm of new media art. By challenging artistic conventions and integrating emerging technologies, she fosters critical discourse, questions societal norms, and redefines the possibilities of emerging media.