"Growing up in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, I was surrounded by an incessant beat. Trains passing routinely by my family’s apartment, homeboys in their cars blaring their music, the call of young people in the street jockeying for various hierarchies, daily visits to the beach, even in the winter, guitar lessons in the Fine Arts Building, sirens from the firehouse a block away…my life as a young Chicagoan. I am not completely sure how all this affects my path towards art almost 25 years later, but it had to.
My most significant influence besides Rothko and the Bible, is humans experiencing circumstantial states of injustice. The way we are affected by others and the way we affect others. Our choices and what they mean. The importance of reminders is also a huge influence on my work. As we go about our daily affairs, we are benefitted by remembering certain basic truths. These truths helps us remain calm and decent during difficult times. My art serves as a reminder for me and hopefully to the collector, of some of those daily truths that make our lives richer and more meaningful. Enjoy." - chicagokim
