Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Heejo Kim. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Heejo , appreciate you joining us today. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in my artistic career is the value of consistency and persistence. This insight came from one of my professors during graduate school, and it continues to shape my approach to my work. It wasn’t just a piece of advice; it was a mindset that helped me navigate the ups and downs of being an artist.
During my time in grad school, I faced a string of rejections—applications, exhibitions, grants—that left me feeling discouraged and questioning my path. I would take these setbacks personally, allowing them to affect my mood and confidence in my work. One day, I opened up to Professor Ellis about how these rejections were weighing on me. His response was simple yet powerful: “Try not to ride the highs and lows of success or failure too much. Persistence is what matters most, because both good and bad outcomes will come and go.”
That conversation became a turning point for me. I realized that the results, whether success or failure, weren’t what defined me as an artist. It was the passion and dedication to continue regardless of the outcome that truly mattered. Shifting my focus from external validation to internal commitment allowed me to handle rejections differently. Rather than being disheartened, I began to view each rejection as part of the larger journey—just one step among many.
Recently, I’ve had another realization. Observing people around me, especially those who were in the same program, achieving success made me reflect on how diligently and consistently they’ve worked on their own projects. It might sound very optimistic, but it led me to believe that if I also continue to work hard—developing and researching my own art with dedication—good opportunities will come my way.
This mindset hasn’t erased the sting of rejection; I still feel the weight of setbacks. But now, I understand that they don’t define me or determine the path ahead. What’s important is that I keep creating, keep applying, and keep showing up for myself and my work. Rejections are inevitable, but persistence is what keeps me grounded and moving forward.
Because of these lessons, I’ve been able to sustain my artistic practice and remain resilient through the challenges. It’s not just about surviving setbacks but thriving despite them, knowing that what truly matters is my dedication to my craft and my ability to keep pushing forward no matter what.

Heejo , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am based in Baltimore, Maryland, but was born and raised in Seoul, Korea. I completed my master’s degree in May 2023 at the LeRoy E. Hoffberger School of Painting at the Maryland Institute College of Art. My artistic journey has been profoundly shaped by my bicultural experience, allowing me to navigate diverse perspectives and explore concepts that bridge these worlds.

In my oil paintings, I depict figures that are intentionally ambiguous in terms of gender, age, nationality, and ethnicity. This ambiguity enables me to transcend societal and structural boundaries, focusing instead on the essence of individuals and the dynamics of interpersonal relationships. My characters live everyday lives, engaging in acts of empathy and care—toward each other or even mundane objects. This exploration of connection is rooted in the Buddhist concept of Dependent Arising (Yeongi-sull): “I exist because you exist, and you exist because I exist.” This belief emphasizes that self-realization is not an isolated experience but is achieved through relationships with others and the world.

Roland Barthes’s concept of love as infinite metonymy further informs my work. I see empathy and tenderness as foundational elements of human connection, and my paintings reflect this through the gentle body language of the figures. The characters inhabit a suspended, dreamlike space where their gestures form an intimate narrative that transcends time and place. Each interaction builds on the next, filling the void with moments of love and forming a new world for them to inhabit.

At the core of my practice, I explore the complexities of identity, gender, and race, using vibrant complementary colors and intentionally ambiguous physical characteristics to challenge societal stereotypes. By focusing on how figures present themselves and the narratives they convey, I encourage viewers to look beyond labels like gender or nationality and engage with the essence of the individual. These identities, shaped by social structures, become fluid or secondary in my work, as I aim to highlight the relational dynamics unfolding between people. As an international artist and minority, I seek to inspire conversations around empathy, care, and the layered nature of identity and expression. Through this, I hope to foster a deeper appreciation for diversity, interconnectedness, and ultimately, encourage people to respect the richness of their own and others’ backgrounds.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I find a lot of inspiration in movies and Korean fiction, both of which have significantly shaped my thinking. While there are countless films that resonate with me, if I had to narrow it down, Everything Everywhere All at Once by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, Yorgos Lanthimos’s The Lobster, and the works of Park Chan-wook are some of the most impactful.

Recently, someone noted that my paintings have a cinematic quality, and I believe that’s largely due to the influence of the many films I’ve watched over the years. For example, Everything Everywhere All at Once deeply resonated with me, especially its message of kindness and interconnectedness. The film explores how we navigate a world full of choices, outcomes, and challenges, while also being supported by others, even when we don’t realize it. This mirrors the themes in my art, where I explore interdependence and the importance of valuing the relationships and connections we have with others.

Yorgos Lanthimos’s films always provoke deep reflection, and The Lobster specifically made me question the meaning of love and how people search for connection in sometimes absurd, surreal ways. This exploration of love and human relationships, often under unconventional circumstances, resonates with my interest in portraying ambiguous identities and interpersonal dynamics in my paintings.

Park Chan-wook’s films, particularly his meticulously crafted mise-en-scène, have also had a profound impact on me. His attention to detail and his ability to create mood through visual storytelling are qualities I constantly return to for inspiration. His films are not only visually captivating but also challenge the viewer to look beyond the surface, something I strive for in my work.

As for Korean fiction, there are many books that keep me thinking about the challenges we face in this world. Certain stories allow me to expand my imagination or deeply empathize with characters, often reflecting on questions of existence and the human experience.

These influences—whether cinematic or literary—have helped shape my artistic perspective and continue to inform my approach to both life and art.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the most significant pivots in my life was deciding to move to the U.S. to further my studies. Leaving my home country of Korea, where I had spent my entire life, was a major decision. This move represented not just a physical relocation but a profound shift in my environment, my artistic practice, and my personal growth.

The transition involved many goodbyes and meant giving up a familiar lifestyle. I embraced this change with a sense of bravery, driven by a desire to explore new artistic fields, immerse myself in different cultural contexts, and fully commit to my career as an artist. The decision was motivated by a need for new experiences and opportunities to advance my practice in ways that were not possible back home.

Adjusting to a new country presented its own set of challenges, including language barriers and cultural differences. Despite these hurdles, the support and understanding from the new communities and people I encountered here have been invaluable. Their encouragement and openness have played a crucial role in my ability to navigate these challenges and continue pursuing my artistic goals.

This experience has not only helped me grow personally and professionally but has also deepened my appreciation for the importance of community and support in the creative journey. I am grateful for the connections I’ve made and hope to give back by sharing my work and experiences through my paintings.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.heejokim0214.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heee__h/

Image Credits

Personal photo is taken by Xyl Lasersohn