Simplicity and Complexity - Jin Eui Kim (ENG)

Simplicity and Complexity

Jin Eui Kim

FOREWORD

In 2019, Llantarnam Grange exhibited the results of Jin Eui Kim’s project which explored the creation of tonal clays. That exhibition shared the experience of the investigative process with videos, meticulous notes, photographs and samples.

The new techniques he developed had a huge influence on the development of his work which more and more explored how the viewer’s perception of three-dimensional objects can be altered by tonal variations and optical illusions.

Jin Eui’s techniques, tonal arrangements, intuitive use of colour, precision and beauty have distinguished him as a truly unique ceramicist. We have been so pleased to continue to support Jin Eui’s passion and creativity in this beautiful solo exhibition which challenges the eye and our perceptions, creating shifting illusions to engage the mind.

INTRODUCTION

some visual effects or illusions may appear simple or easy to experience, others may be complex or difficult to perceive.”

Working in-between the concepts of illusion and reality, ceramic artist Jin Eui Kim explores how our perception of three-dimensional objects can be manipulated using tone and different arrangements of clay.

For Simplicity and Complexity, Jin Eui has created a series of pieces that continue his use of intricate optical effects to attract and trick the eye. Through investigating how and why visual phenomena appear, Jin Eui’s research explores optical illusions, visual perception, and OP Art. He has been particularly influenced by the signature reverse perspective of painter Patrick Hughes; Bridget Riley’s geometric painting; ceramic artist Liz Fritsch’s use of patterns; and the consideration of volume and density by contemporary sculptor Anish Kapoor.

Through researching these different principles and techniques, Jin Eui has developed a strong sense of creative purpose, creating his own effects that experiment with linear elements, different types of gradients, and the relationship between an object and its background. This creates different visual phenomena that shift depending on how you glance, look, or examine his pieces.

“The title ‘Simplicity and Complexity’ are words that are always in my mind when creating and evaluating my artworks. While

The harmonious interplay between the simple, repeated forms and simple tones creates a variety of intricate visual effects. Some illusions are constructed through the simple arrangement of lines or the position of the light source, while others are complex compositions that make use of various factors. For example, in OPject the spherical form, shading, and shadows are created by grooves of the same size repeated at different angles, resulting in a variation of tones.

Jin Eui manipulates these effects further by creating different circumstances for his work. Through altering the colour or tone of the background, the distance between the viewer and artwork, the height of the artwork, and the location of light source, Jin Eui changes our perception of his ceramic surfaces.

For Jin Eui, simplicity and complexity exist side by side, in a necessary, symbiotic relationship. Often, after overcoming something complex and difficult, the result can be something incredibly simple. Similarly, the reverse can be true, things that seemed simple at first glance can turn out to be quite complex on further examination. In this way, the process of creating artwork connects to life, as it reflects the delicate balance between simplicity and complexity that we experience every day.

“Complexity can arise from simplicity, and simplicity can also be found within complexity.”

Above: A pair of OPverse cylindrical forms, 2023

Left: OPverse cylindrical form, 2023

Above: OPject lidded box; OPverse cylindrical form, 2023

Right: OPject lidded box, 2023

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Left: OPot. Photo Credit: Ben Boswell

Right: OPverse cylindrical form. Photo Credit: Ben Boswell

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

In his practice Jin Eui strives to develop his skills, refine new techniques, and harness new technologies. His work begins with an idea, forming within his imagination. These ideas are then developed through experiments and tests, which Jin Eui then reflects on so that he can continue to learn and adapt. This is an ongoing process that can take years to prefect.

Through creating a delicate balance between concave and convex, flattened and ridged, and shading and colour, Jin Eui enhances the illusory phenomena. This is also achieved through repetition. By creating identical widths of bands or blocks, he creates an unfocussed visual experience that can prevent viewers from looking at a particular area on the surface, while simultaneously disturbing our peripheral vision.

GLOSSARY

Engobe – a type of liquid clay, that is commonly utilised for enhancing the appearance of bisque fired ceramic work through brushing or spraying, resulting in a high-quality finish or decorative effect. It is similar to slip but differs in its ability to be applied to bisque fired pieces.

OPjects – a word Jin Eui created by combining ‘Optical’ and ‘Object’ to refer to an object that can create optical illusions.

“I create my works mainly using three different methods: wheelthrowing, hand-building and slip-casting. ‘OPjects’ are formed by wheel-throwing, after the first firing I paint the engobes by brushes. I use 18 different grey engobes, from as light as white to as dark as black as the main palette. 8 blues, 8 reds and 8 yellows are also added to the palette. Then the painted piece is fired at 1120 and one more firing after glazing. ‘OPverse’ is made mainly by hand-building using tonal clays – 20 different tones from as light as white to as dark as black. The clays are extruded into the certain shapes and sizes through customed dies. These coils can be made into rings or blocks then built up to make forms. I trim the surface inside and outside then it is fired at bisque firing temperature once they are dried. Then they are fired at 1240 after glazing the inside. ‘OPerspective’ and ‘The Flow on Cubes’ series are made mainly by slip-casting and each piece is carefully designed before starting.”

OPverse – Similarly to OPject, Jin Eui created the word OPverse by changing the letter ‘B’ to ‘P’ in the word of ‘Obverse’, which means the opposite of a fact or truth.

OPerspective – a word Jin Eui created by combining ‘Optical’ and ‘Perspective’, and it refers to a work of art that creates visual effects using a different approach to perspective than what we typically know.

Above: OPject lidded box; OPot moon jar; OPject spherical form, 2023

Right: OPject spherical form, 2023 14 JIN EUI KIM - Simplicity and Complexity

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Left: OPverse cylindrical form, 2023

Right: A pair of OPverse cylindrical forms, 2023

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

JIN EUI KIM - Simplicity and Complexity

A Llantarnam Grange Exhibition

Published by Llantarnam Grange ©LG 2023

Llantarnam Grange is a part of Arts Council Wales ‘Arts Portfolio Wales’. Registered Charity no: 1006933. Company Limited by Guarantee no: 2616241

Llantarnam Grange is funded by the Arts Council of Wales and Torfaen County Borough Council.

This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form without written permission from the publisher.

Llantarnam Grange, St David’s Road, Cwmbran, Torfaen, NP44 1PD

01633 483321 | llantarnamgrange.com

With thanks to: Young Ae (my wife) for her endless support, all staffs at Llantarnam Grange including Louise Jones-William, Sophie Lindsey and Savanna Dumelow for their hard work for the exhibition.

Background: OPverse cylindrical form, 2023

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