Belle Jongmi Kim
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Thread In Time
Fabric, zipper, thread, yarn, fiberfill
Site-Specific Installation - dimensions vary
2021
Artist Biography
Belle Jongmi Kim was born and raised in South Korea. Her mom, dad, two sisters, and four nieces and nephews still live in Seoul and operate a small grocery store downtown. She graduated from Sookmyung Women's University with a bachelor's degree in Graphic Design. A few years after moving to the USA, she settled in Ventura, California. There she participated in shows for the City of Ventura's First Friday and Art Walk in addition to multiple other local art venues. She holds memberships with the Ojai Studio Artists, Buenaventura Art Association, Art City, and Bell Art Factory, where she held a private studio until leaving for PAFA. Ventura City College Art Chair Bob Moskowitz, who attended PAFA, inspired her years ago to visit this
Artist Statement
My ambition is to create 'sacred' spaces either on canvas or as installations that challenge the viewer's perspective on time, space, and ultimately oneself. To create these spaces, I listen to my emotions following a period of deep self-reflection. I often find inspiration from interactions with family, friends, and strangers I see on the streets every day. I am drawn to the interconnectivity and cohesion with other humans, animals, plants, and man-made objects. I hope to invoke strange, confusing feelings that cause the viewer to question their own spatial reality, become lost in these surreal landscapes, and find their own unique story or meaning every time my creations are viewed.