Simplicity and Complexity, Jin Eui Kim (ENG)

Simplicity and

Complexity

Jin Eui Kim

CONTENTS

FOREWORD 02

INTRODUCTION 05

WORK 06

TECHNICAL INFORMATION 13

WORK 14

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 18

Cover: A pair of OPverse cylindrical froms, 2023

JIN EUI KIM - Simplicity and Complexity 01

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.

02 JIN EUI KIM - Simplicity and Complexity

Above: A group of OPots, 2023


Caption if required

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.

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.

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

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.

Left: OPject hemispherical form, 2023


Above: A group of OPots, 2023

06 JIN EUI KIM- Simplicity and Complexity

Above: OPject hemispherical form; and OPots moon jar, 2023


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


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.

“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.”

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.

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


Left: OPverse cylindrical form, 2023

Right: A pair of OPverse cylindrical forms, 2023


Above: OPverse cylindrical forms; OPject lidded box, 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


Simplicity and Complexity, Jin Eui Kim (ENG)

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