“Through the compelling language of ceramics, I capture humanity in a way that resonates deeply with diverse communities. Building upon the relationship between the vessel and the concept of the human body as a vessel itself, I imbue my sculptural forms with humanity’s memories, language and heritage. 

In my journey as an artist, uncovering the authentic and unfiltered self has been a motif that has persisted throughout my practice. While it can be overwhelming to stand in the brokenness of denial, perhaps noticing that brightness and colour can exist in the dark could allow us to discover how the colours of our humanity will always remain inseparable from what it means to live truly.” – Joon Hee Kim

Joon Hee Kim’s artistic journey began as an art director in graphic design in her native South Korea. Enamoured by ceramics and the potential this medium held for her explorations of identity and humanity in contemporary visual art, she pursued art full-time.

As a Cecil Lewis Sculpture Scholarship recipient, Kim completed her MFA at Chelsea College of Arts in the United Kingdom, developing strong and innovative practices through numerous exhibitions and residencies that have pushed her visual arts practice into new realms. Notable residency programs include the Banff Clay Revival Residency, Shigaraki Ceramics Cultural Park Artist-in-Residence in Japan, the Centre for Ceramics Residency in Berlin and the Archie Bray Foundation Residency in the US.

Kim has exhibited in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy, and she continues to develop an international presence and expand her audience. She has received many honourable awards and grants, including grants from the Canada Council for the Arts and Ontario Arts Council, winning the Best of Ceramics Award at the Toronto Outdoor Fair. In 2020, Kim won Canada’s only national award for Emerging Ceramic Artists, the Winifred Shantz Award for Ceramics. More recently, she was named Artist of the Year 2023 by ITSLIQUID Group from Venice, Italy.