Belhaven University Presents Engrave Art Exhibit, Featuring Hosik Kim

August 23, 2024 (Jackson. Miss.) - Belhaven University’s Art and Design Department is hosting the upcoming art exhibit, “Engrave,” showcasing the work of visiting artist and alumna Hosik Kim. The exhibit will run from August 24 through September 20, with an opening reception on Saturday, August 24, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Bitsy Irby Gallery.

Hosik Kim, a contemporary ceramic artist, pushes the boundaries of traditional ceramics through innovative forms and experimental techniques. His sculptures focus on the abstract representation of human figures and the emotional landscape of memory.

Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, Kim moved to the United States in the early 2000s after completing his military service to pursue his passion for art. He earned a B.F.A. in Sculpture and Photography from Belhaven University and an M.F.A. in Ceramics from Mississippi State University. During his studies, Kim developed a deep fascination with the tactile and transformative nature of clay and black-and-white photography.

Kim’s work explores the intersection of fragility and strength, often using distorted or fragmented figures to convey themes of identity, nostalgia, and transformation. His unique approach has been featured in numerous exhibitions, galleries, and collections internationally, earning recognition for his innovative contributions to the field of ceramics. Embracing experimentation, Kim incorporates unconventional materials and techniques, allowing the unexpected outcomes of firing and glazing to become integral aspects of his work.

Currently based in Jackson, Miss., Kim has been teaching art classes at a state university for 12 years. He continually pushes the limits of ceramic expression, using the medium to explore and comment on contemporary issues. Through both large-scale installations and intimate sculptures, his work invites viewers to question their assumptions and engage with the complexities of the human experience in profound ways. Kim is dedicated to expanding the narrative of ceramics in the contemporary art world, challenging traditional definitions, and exploring new possibilities within the medium.

This art exhibition is free and open to the public, and gallery hours include Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

This is just one of the many exciting events from Belhaven University’s School of Arts. Check out Arts Ablaze for plays, dance and music concerts, poetry readings, gallery exhibits and more happening this year.