Episode 229

Photo Na Kim: Courtesy of the artist

Ep.229 Na Kim b.1986 Seoul, South Korea Na Kim lives and works in Brooklyn, New York. Known for her mimetic portraits set against polychromatic backgrounds, Na Kim’s paintings depict figures but are conceptually abstract. Her imagined subjects, derivative yet unique, evoke both confrontational and intimate encounters. Kim’s practice centers neither accuracy nor narrative, but rather reflects a deeply meditative character study.

Solo exhibitions include Kim’s debut solo presentation at White Columns, New York (2023) and forthcoming show at Nicola Vassell Gallery, New York (2025). Group exhibitions include The Selves, Nicola Vassell Gallery, New York (2024) and the White Columns Benefit Auction, New York (2023, 2024). Kim has shown work at a number of art fairs, including Art Basel Miami Beach, Miami (2024) and Independent Art Fair, New York (2024). In addition to her fine art practice, Kim currently works as the art director of The Paris Review and creative director of the publishing house Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Her designs have been named among The New York Times’ best book covers of the year for the past nine consecutive years.

Artist https://www.na-kim.com/

Nicola Vassell Gallery https://www.nicolavassell.com/artists/76-na-kim/

White Columns https://whitecolumns.org/exhibitions/na-kim/

Paris Review https://www.theparisreview.org/about/masthead | https://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2023/06/20/the-cups-came-in-a-rush-an-interview-with-margot-bergman/

One Club Org https://www.oneclub.org/awards/adcawards/-judge/2739/na-kim

The Creative Independent Na Kim – The Creative Independent

Drakes https://us.drakes.com/blogs/news/in-the-studio-wth-na-kim?srsltid=AfmBOoqMsvMO6YmKGyt_fJCZkdzWGCsZjEYClN228sX4NQp4dpAGePXX

I need a book cover https://ineedabookcover.com/designers/na-kim/

Print Magazine https://www.printmag.com/book-covers/best-book-cover-of-the-month-the-copenhagen-trilogy-designed-by-na-kim/

Coveteur https://coveteur.com/book-designer-interview-na-kim

Untitled 5 | 2024
Courtesy of the artist and Nicola Vassell Gallery
Photo Credit: Lance Brewer