INTRODUCTION

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