Junsu Kim is a South Korean artist whose practice centers on the transformative potential of leather. Originally trained in metalwork and jewelry at Kookmin University in Seoul, Kim shifted his focus to leather after a formative experience working with traditional leather craftsmen in Tuscany, Italy. Kim now creates sculptural vessels by carefully assembling strips of leather in varying tones and thicknesses.
The experience working with local leather craftsmen in Tuscany, Italy left an impression on the South Korean artist Junsu Kim. Upon actually experiencing this, metal craft major Kim changes his material to leather. Today he creates organic vessels by assembling leather strips together. His approach is like a meditation as he combines different thicknesses of leather strips. The tones of these strips vary and when assembled they create an interesting color. Kim has an innate interest for raw materials. His concept is based on lifecycle conjuring images of tree trunks with rings tracing age. He is attracted to the notion on regenerative process – slowness, rhythm, momentum – and meandering of time.
While materials are based on the animal world, the production method and the finished outcome remind of the plant world. The combination of cross sections is created with the method of piling up tough and soft materials. This new aspect reminds of wood grains that increase the size of tree year by year.
Animal and plant maintain close relationship from processing materials to completing works. Works can be completed by minimum tools and intuitional act, but they are harmonized with originality through free variation.
