We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kiwon Kang a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kiwon, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

I grew up in Korea, where I studied biotechnology. However, I always had a deep passion for fashion, which eventually led me to move to the U.S. to pursue a Master’s degree in Fashion Textile Design at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. During my time in school, I met my wife, who comes from a family deeply rooted in the arts—many of them are artists or work in art-related fields. She herself studied installation art, and through her, I became surrounded by a vibrant community of artists.

During the pandemic, we witnessed firsthand the immense challenges artists faced when trying to exhibit their work. Many struggled to showcase their art, so we started creating video content to help bring their exhibitions to a wider audience. This experience made us realize a larger issue—while there are many talented Asian artists, their work is often underrepresented and not easily accessible in the U.S.

With this in mind, my co-founder and I set out to create a unique space in San Francisco’s Chinatown that merges a gallery with a wine shop. I oversee the gallery side, while my co-founder manages the wine shop. We chose Chinatown because we see it as a historical and cultural bridge between Asia and the U.S., making it the perfect place to introduce Asian artists and wines from Asian-owned wineries. At the same time, we also showcase the work of local artists, aiming to foster a diverse and inclusive art community.

Our broader vision is to become a hub for cultural exchange—introducing Asian artists to the U.S. while also providing opportunities for San Francisco-based artists to exhibit their work in Asia. We believe that art has the power to transcend borders, and through our gallery, we hope to create meaningful dialogues between these two worlds. Our mission is not just about showcasing art; it’s about building a space where different cultures and perspectives can come together and thrive.

Kiwon, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

What We Do at BlueStream Gallery
At BlueStream Gallery, we specialize in curating and exhibiting contemporary art, with a strong focus on Asian and Asian-American artists alongside local and international talents. We host solo and group exhibitions, interactive art events, and creative collaborations that challenge and inspire audiences.

One of the unique aspects of our gallery is that we are co-located with a wine shop, blending the experience of art and fine wine in an immersive setting. This concept is rooted in the idea that both art and wine serve as cultural and social bridges—bringing people together through shared experiences. We take pride in featuring wines from Asian-owned wineries alongside other artisanal selections, adding another layer of cultural storytelling to our space.

What Sets BlueStream Gallery Apart
Cultural Exchange & Representation: We focus on highlighting talented Asian and international artists who may not always have easy access to the U.S. market, while also introducing Bay Area artists to audiences in Asia.
A Multi-Sensory Art Experience: By integrating fine art with wine, we create a unique environment where visitors can appreciate creativity in a more relaxed and engaging way.
Community-Centric Approach: We are deeply committed to fostering an artistic community by collaborating with artists, collectors, and cultural institutions to support emerging talent and offer meaningful opportunities for growth.
A Space for Experimentation: We encourage artists to explore new ideas and push boundaries, allowing them to present works that may not fit within traditional gallery models.

What I’m Most Proud Of
One of the things I’m most proud of is that BlueStream Gallery has become a meaningful space for both artists and audiences, where dialogue, creativity, and connection thrive. Seeing artists find new opportunities through our exhibitions and watching visitors engage deeply with the works on display fuels my passion for this work.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

After graduating from Academy of Art University, I started working at a small design studio. While I was passionate about the creative aspects of the work, I quickly realized that running a studio came with significant challenges. The studio faced operational difficulties, and I noticed that there was no one with a strong business or management background to effectively handle these issues. This experience made me understand that while creativity is essential, sustainability in the arts also requires solid business knowledge.

Recognizing this gap, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I enrolled in a community college to study business, focusing on essential areas like financial management, marketing, and operational strategies. Through this experience, I gained a deeper understanding of business fundamentals, which later proved invaluable when I co-founded BlueStream Gallery.

This pivot in my journey was crucial because it allowed me to merge my artistic background with practical business skills, enabling me to create a space that not only supports artists but also operates sustainably and efficiently. Looking back, this decision was one of the most impactful steps I took in shaping my career and the direction of my gallery.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

I met my co-founder through family—he is my brother-in-law, and over time, we naturally formed a strong business partnership. He had already been involved in several businesses, and his deep passion for supporting small businesses in San Francisco’s Chinatown stood out to me. He has been actively working to help the local community thrive by supporting small business owners and contributing to Chinatown’s ongoing development.

Beyond business, he has a deep interest for wine, and through his research, he discovered that there are approximately 180 Asian-owned wineries on the West Coast. He saw a gap in the market—these incredible wines were not widely introduced to mainstream audiences, and he wanted to create a space where Chinatown’s visitors, both locals and tourists, could discover and appreciate them.

At the same time, I had been looking for ways to introduce Asian contemporary art to a broader audience. Our visions aligned perfectly—we both wanted to create a space where Asian culture could be experienced through different forms, whether it be art or wine. This shared goal led us to open BlueStream Gallery in Chinatown, blending our passions for art, wine, and cultural exchange into a single, immersive space. Our collaboration is rooted not just in business, but in a mutual commitment to celebrating and elevating Asian creatives, entrepreneurs, and artisans.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bluestreamgallery.com
• Instagram: bluestream_gallery