Kim Chan Hyun

Lives and works in Kansas City, MO, USA

Artist statement

I explore the intersection of anxiety, catharsis, and eternity through a visual language that blends Eastern and Western traditions. Much of my inspiration comes from my childhood in South Korea. Growing up, I was immersed in a rich tapestry of Korean religious art, particularly shamanic rituals that practice performative calligraphy to channel spiritual energy. One of the most vivid memories is watching a shaman dance barefoot on metal blades, then step down to inscribe several sheets of Bujeok (Korean talismans). The visceral image of pain and liberation, and the raw sense of aliveness it carried, has stayed with me and continues to drive the way I make images today.

Artwork