The free-flowing curves and organic forms found in nature have long been central to my artistic inquiry and serve as primary sculptural elements in my work. The Flow series is one expression of my desire to pursue unique forms and break away from the rigidity of symmetrical structures.
Vegetable-tanned leather—a natural material known for its rich colors, flexibility, and resilience—lends itself well to this expression. In nature, flowers function as reproductive organs, and each individual bloom often possesses a form of captivating beauty. Among them, the magnolia, which symbolizes the beginning of spring, stands out with its elegant combination of supple curves and delicate petals. Its blossoms, which shift subtly from deep purples to soft whites, evoke a sense of grace so profound that the flower’s symbolic meaning—nobility—becomes immediately clear.
By shaping the taut outer skin of a volume and layering short, rhythmic lines, I’ve created surfaces that ripple and curve, capturing fleeting moments of movement stirred by wind or external force. The forms evolve in tandem with the emotions and intentions of the moment, growing organically over time. Ultimately, I hope for these works to exist not as functional objects but as free and beautiful entities in their own right—untethered from cognitive or utilitarian constraints.
About the artist
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.