b. 1951

Sun-Lee Kim is a Korean artist whose work draws deeply from the traditions of minhwa (Korean folk painting) and ceramics, refined through over a decade of dedicated study and practice.

She has developed a distinctive approach to “relief ceramics,” creating sculptural surfaces in mixed media that embody both narrative and texture.

Her oeuvre spans several thematic series, most notably her dynamic portrayals of tigers and roosters, as well as her vessel-inspired forms that merge the sensibility of ancient earthenware with a contemporary aesthetic. Kim’s art balances familiarity and innovation, evoking a timeless quality while remaining firmly rooted in the present. Her process—shaped by thousands of drawings and experience with large-scale works—infuses each piece with depth, vitality, and a sense of enduring craftsmanship.

Plum Blossom, mixed media on canvas, 162.2x97cm, 2009