stereo hangul

Exhibition by Geoff Kim

Exhibition: July 10 – August 28th, 5-9pm on First Friday, 1-5pm on Saturdays

Local Language: 477 25th Street, Oakland CA 94612

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

Stereo Hangul represents a moment to reflect on the current state of Korean identity in the US. A layered media landscape, contrasted narratives on race, shifting economics, and a multi-year pandemic are all colliding into a new era, a new time. In this body of work Geoff Kim contemplates what it means to be of Korean descent in this country, these works reflect a multitude of personal and familial histories. They aim to represent a feeling of being between two sonic and visual worlds: Hangul and English, Korean and American.

These pieces reflect strength in language, culture and identity made stronger by circumstances of racial prejudice and strife felt by the Korean American as well as the Asian American community at large. In these sculptural collages, the hope is to celebrate the beauty in intersectional identities and embrace the difference found within each unique story and individual. An inherent aspect of collage is that it builds bridges between worlds from the past and new. By building these physical emblems, made from collage and UV paint, the artist celebrates the vibrant colors and symbols of Korean culture. The ultimate aim is to enhance words and ideals that reflect principles of solidarity, togetherness, and hope.

RESIDENCY WORK ON EXHIBIT

Created during the Local Language residency, Kim’s work extends beyond collage and illustration into new sculptural pieces. Departing from his traditional paper medium, this body of work is an extension of his collage process and bridges the gap between familiar materials and a new direction.

ARTIST’S BIO

Geoff Kim is an artist and designer based in Oakland. He calls New York and Amsterdam home, previously designed for Vice and Vevo and makes a variety of artworks from collages to animations. He’s also known to make really good Korean Fried Chicken. Ask him about it.

Local Language is an Art, Design, and Fabrication studio providing curated art collections for commercial properties across the globe. The Artist in Residence program offers space, time, and facilities for artists in a multitude of disciplines to explore creative pursuits and utilize technology to further their own art practice. We are a working art manufacturer. Made in the Garage District, Oakland California.