Junsu Kim

Artist

South Korean artist Junsu Kim creates his organic vessels by stacking thin strips of vegetable tanned leather in combination, meditatively building the layers with varying thicknesses and subtle tonal differences. With an innate interest for raw material, Junsu began working with metal but became captivated with leather when he participated in workshops with local leather craftsmen in Tuscany, Italy. Junsu seeks to capture a sense of time through his use of material and process; the coils of leather reflect the rings of a tree and the slowness and regenerative qualities of a lifecycle. Each piece has its own rhythm and momentum, reflective of the meandering pace of life.

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Kim’s creations have been shown not just in South Korea but also all around the world, inclduing London, Paris and Tokyo. During last year’s Collect Art Fair, a piece from his Sense of Forest series was acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum.

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Education

2016 MFA in Metals & Jewelry, Kookmin University, Seoul, South Korea

2013 BFA in Metals & Jewelry, Kookmin University, Seoul, South Korea

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Selected Awards and Collections

2023 Victoria & Albert Museum collection, UK

2022 Finalist, LOEWE Craft Prize 

          LOEWE Foundation collection, Spain 

          Seoul Museum of Craft collection, South Korea

2019 Winner, Cheongju Craft Biennale Competition, South Korea