Ari Kim

Galerie Shibumi is proud to present Mae-Deup (매듭), a new series by acclaimed painter and filmmaker Ari Kim, a recipient of both Cannes and Sundance awards.

Ari Kim's work is a mesmerizing exploration of In-Yeon (인연)—a Korean concept rooted in the belief that invisible threads of fate connect all living beings. These connections transcend time, space, and relationships, linking not only lovers and family but also friends, strangers, and fleeting encounters. Through her art, Ari Kim masterfully unveils these unseen bonds, offering viewers a poignant reflection on the intricacies of human connection.

In Mae-Deup (매듭), which translates to knot, Kim examines the profound ties between two figures who might be a young mother and daughter—or perhaps two versions of the same self. These works draw inspiration from the traditional Korean art of decorative knotting, symbolizing the bonds that tie us together. Ari's figures are linked by braided hair, evoking an umbilical cord and referencing the Korean belief that hair, a sacred gift from ancestors, must be cherished and protected.

The figures engage in quiet acts of service, tenderly expressing love through small, intimate gestures: napping on a loved one's knees, shielding them from the sun, or plucking white hairs with care. These moments, devoid of direct words, resonate as creases—gentle folds in time that preserve the essence of forgotten memories. When light touches these creases, it casts a shadow, revealing traces of the past.

Ari's work captures this interplay of light and memory, offering a visual narrative of the enduring and often unseen connections that shape our lives. Each painting is a poetic meditation on the bonds that weave us together, across lifetimes and moments.

Mae Deup features original music by Jackson A. Waters, is an award-winning concert and film composer described as a 'tour de force' (Daniel Ott) and the next ‘Rising Star' (VoyageLA). Writing for orchestras, chamber groups, and wind ensemble, Jackson's widespread composition style has garnered recognition and performances from prestigious ensembles such as the Rhythm Method, The Colburn School, NYU Orchestra, American Composers Orchestra, Salastina, and more. Through his drive to push the boundaries of concert music, Jackson's compositions have sparked international collaboration with artists including Czech jazz composer Beata Hlavenkova and the Prague-based string trio, S.V.A Trio, incorporating audio sampling and field recordings into his works. Beyond the realm of concert music, Jackson has scored music for numerous short and feature-length films, spanning genres from high-energy action films to intimate dramas.

Continuing his drive for collaboration, Jackson started Live Room Music, a recorded and filmed performance series that provides an inclusive space for the audience to sit within the music, immersed in a home-like setting. Join us for the opening reception to experience Ari Kim's deeply evocative works and explore the unseen threads of fate that connect us all.

Ari Kim is an internationally acclaimed painter and filmmaker whose works have received prestigious awards at both Cannes and Sundance. Her multidisciplinary practice is a testament to her unique ability to blend visual storytelling with profound cultural and philosophical insights.