We recently connected with Sujin Kim and have shared our conversation below.
Sujin, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I graduated from CalArts, where I studied experimental animation. During my first year, I created an experimental digital animation that was selected to be screened at the International Short Film Festival in Berlin. My film was screened as part of the Sound & Vision program, curated by Christoph Schulz, at the Volksbühne – Berlin’s most iconic theater. The screening featured a new music track composed and performed by a German musician group specifically for my film. This experience was one of the most thrilling moments of my career as a visual artist. Seeing my film being screened with a live performance in front of a large audience at a historical site made me realize that I want to pursue a career as an animation filmmaker and visual artist professionally.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am an animation filmmaker. My work has been screened at over 40 film festivals worldwide, including the Annecy International Animated Film Festivals, and showcased at leading international art and technology conferences, such as SIGGRAPH Asia and ISEA (International Symposium on Electronic Art). My MFA thesis animation received Gold Medal (first prize) at the 48th Student Academy Awards.
My experimental and non-linear animation projects have attracted musician clients seeking unique and experimental visuals to distinguish themselves from their peers. I am particularly proud of my collaboration with Touché Amoré, a Los Angeles-based post-hardcore rock band, on their experimental music video “Lament.” This fully 3D animated music video was a project I undertook from start to finish, from concept art and storyboarding to animation and final post-production. As a visual artist working with musicians, my focus is to create a new visual language that accurately reflects the musician’s original message and subject matter. I analyze each song and set out to produce images that best support the musician’s musical philosophy and vision.
Another project that I thoroughly enjoyed working on was creating the album cover for the English legendary musician group, MUSE’s new album, Origin Of Symmetry: XX Anniversary RemiXX. I transformed the original hand-drawn album cover into an entirely new 3D scene with a contemporary interpretation of the original art using 3D software.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My digital artwork showcases my consistent dedication to visual poetry. My primary artistic strategy is to use symbolic, metaphorical, and surrealistic visual language to create poetic compositions. With a wide range of digital tools, I aim to create digital artworks that offer a space for contemplation and reflection, inviting the viewer to engage with emotionally challenging themes, just as they would with traditional artworks. One of my recent series, “Echoes of Sorrow,” is an example of my approach to digital art.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to make a creative impact on others and the world through my artwork. When a project succeeds in conveying valuable subject matter, it can empower marginalized voices and challenge our perceptions in profound ways.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sujinart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sujinkimart/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sujinkimart/
- Other: https://vimeo.com/sujinart
Image Credits
Sujin Kim, Touché Amoré, MUSE