We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Hongbin Kim. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Hongbin below.

Hongbin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

I find greater happiness in being a creative. The works I produce are unique and imaginative, reflecting my personal vision. What matters most to me is that my creations express my thoughts and feelings with clarity and authenticity, rather than being shaped by the opinions or perspectives of others. Being an artist isn’t about qualifications; there are no clear lines between who is an artist and who isn’t. An artist is someone who creates, expresses their ideas in any form, influences society, and takes pride in their work. In this sense, anyone—whether as part of a group or individually—can be an artist.

I often think about what it would be like to have a regular job. A stable job can seem comfortable, with a steady paycheck and a predictable routine. However, after spending a year and a half in New York, pursuing my dream of establishing myself as an artist, I’ve realized something important. Regardless of profession or field, many people live nomadic lives, focused on growth and adapting to a global society. They face their own challenges and work hard to overcome them, much like I do as an artist. In the end, everyone is striving for something greater, and that’s what keeps me grounded in my choice to continue on this path.

Through these reflections and interactions, I’ve come to understand that there’s no need to compare a full-time job to what I’m currently doing. No matter the type of work, if you can express your thoughts and emotions, connect with others on a deeper level, and have a positive impact on society with a sense of self-worth, then your unique abilities give meaning to the work you do. Even if the path is difficult, the freedom and sense of accomplishment I gain from doing what I love are incomparable.

Hongbin, 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?

My name is Hongbin Kim, and I am a visual artist who has transitioned from my homeland of Korea to New York, where I currently live and work. My artistic journey has been shaped by this transition, as I explore themes like the chaos of city life and the anxiety of not feeling settled. These experiences of displacement and adaptation deeply influence my work.

Living in New York has exposed me to a wide range of stimuli and challenges that have both inspired and invigorated me. The stress and tension I encounter here fuel my creative drive, making me feel truly alive. As a result, I express these emotions through exaggerated, vibrant colors in my paintings. My work reflects my personal exploration of how chaos can give rise to beauty and purity within the realm of painting.

In my work, I delve into the potential to find order and aesthetic pleasure even in the midst of confusion. I use bright color palettes to convey emotions, transforming my experiences of stress into something more approachable, even enjoyable, for the viewer. My goal is to invite the audience to engage with the challenges and adaptations I face in a new environment and to connect with the broader human experience of navigating uncertainty.

What sets me apart as an artist is my ability to communicate complex emotional landscapes in a way that resonates across cultural boundaries. I explore the balance between opposing forces—like calm and chaos or comfort and discomfort—using techniques like thin layers of acrylic paint to symbolize the fragility of this balance. My alter-ego, “Vanhada,” which in Korean means both “to fall in love” and “to oppose,” reflects the duality I often play with in my work.

I’m particularly proud of the ways my art connects with people on a deeper level. Through my exhibitions in New York, my work invites audiences to reflect on their own experiences of stress, relief, and adaptation. By engaging with these universal themes, I create a shared space where personal and collective stories intersect.

For those who follow my work, I want them to know that my art is more than just a visual experience; it’s a conversation about the human condition. My goal is to find and showcase the beauty that can emerge from tension and uncertainty, and to share my journey of adaptation and discovery in this constantly shifting world. Through my art, I hope to inspire others to embrace their challenges and see the potential for beauty in even the most chaotic of circumstances.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One story that highlights my resilience is my recent trip to California in September. For a year and a half, I had stayed exclusively in New York, focusing on my work and adapting to life in the city. It was my first time leaving New York, and visiting the West felt like experiencing a new America altogether. Just as living in New York offered me insights that were vastly different from what I had imagined back in Korea, exploring California brought fresh perspectives and inspiration.

During my visit, I toured several galleries and noticed many differences between the art scenes on the East and West Coasts. This firsthand experience expanded my view of the art world and gave me new ideas for my work. It reminded me of the importance of stepping outside of my comfort zone to grow as an artist, embracing new challenges and experiences, which in turn helps me stay resilient in my creative journey.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

One of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had recently as an artist was my exhibition at the Stephanie Kim Gallery, located at 78 Franklin St, where my work was displayed in large windows on the ground floor. Previously, my exhibitions in New York required visitors to actively choose to come and see my work, which limited the audience to those already interested. However, this was my first time having my artwork visible to the public in Tribeca, where anyone passing by could engage with it. It felt like I was finally sharing the impact New York has had on me with the broader community, influencing society in return. This unique experience has inspired me to plan future projects that utilize public spaces and carry greater social impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vanhada.art
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_vanhada_

Image Credits

Hongbin Kim