Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, Heesoo Kim has been gaining recognition for his fragmented portraits, through which he explores modern men’s existential crisis in relation to themselves, to others, and to society. In Untitled, a hand of another, who remains hidden, has a firm grip on the neck of the woman in blue. Although pouting, probably out of the discomfort of suffocation, she seems to acquiesce the apparent violent behaviour, with no plan of struggling to free herself. This very act of endurance that gives up one’s fighting chance is what really jumps out the picture plane with a heightened sense of oppression, cutting deep into the hearts that resonate with this feeling.
Kim has participated in solo and groups exhibitions in museums and galleries in South Korea, before having his works exhibited online with Unit London (12 - 25 April 2021).