Ari Kim Brings “Mae-Deup (매듭)” to Galerie Shibumi: An Exploration of Memory, Connection, and Cultural Identity

Article written by Jason Goodman.

NEW YORK, January 16, 2025 — Last week, Galerie Shibumi, nestled in the vibrant streets of Chinatown, presented the opening of “Mae-Deup (매듭),” a new exhibition by artist and filmmaker Ari Kim. Running until February 23, the show promises to be an immersive exploration of themes such as memory, identity, and the connections between generations. The exhibit’s debut reception on January 16 provided a sneak peek into this powerful collection of paintings, which is paired with an original soundscape, offering a multi-sensory experience that invites viewers to deeply engage with Kim’s artistic vision.

Ari Kim’s relationship with art began early. As a child, she would often turn to whatever materials she could find, including drawing on wallpaper when sketchbooks were not available. “My mum never stopped me,” Kim laughs, “so I just kept going.” Her academic journey took her from painting and printmaking to video art, and her creative practice evolved into a seamless fusion of film, painting, and large-scale installations.

Raised in a family rooted in Korean traditions, Kim was familiar with crafts like Mae-Deup (매듭), the traditional art of knotting. “Growing up with these customs, I developed a deep respect for the intangible threads that link us across time,” Kim explains. The concept of Mae-Deup, or the knot that ties people together, became central to her artistic identity, influencing her exploration of connections within families and communities.

While at NYU, Kim became captivated by filmmaking. Surrounded by the collaborative energy of film students, she quickly found a deep love for storytelling through the medium. “There was something incredible about the group dynamic of filmmaking,” she reflects. “Spending long hours with a group of talented people, all bringing different perspectives—there was a magic in that.”

Despite her growing passion for film, Kim always viewed painting as her sanctuary. “With painting, I’m my own collaborator,” she says. “Filmmaking is about working with others, but painting is where I can create without compromise. Over the years, I’ve balanced both mediums, each one strengthening the other.” This balance has allowed Kim to merge the introspective nature of painting with the collaborative spirit she thrives in through film.

The title of the exhibit, “Mae-Deup,” refers to the concept of connection, symbolized by knots or braided forms. For Kim, these ties represent relationships between figures, whether between a mother and daughter or an older and younger self. The recurring imagery of braided hair, reminiscent of an umbilical cord, captures the deep bond between these figures.

Kim draws on Korean cultural traditions, where hair is seen as a sacred inheritance, passed down from generation to generation. By focusing on this intimate imagery, Kim taps into themes of lineage, the passage of time, and the unspoken bonds that hold people together. “These connections shape us, sometimes without us even realizing it,” she says. “The show is about cherishing those ties.”

“Mae-Deup” is not just an art show; it’s a fully immersive experience. For this exhibition, Kim collaborated with composer Jackson A. Waters, who created original music that accompanies each painting. Known for his orchestral compositions, Waters’ scores are designed to reflect the emotions and narratives embedded in Kim’s work.

The gallery features Bluetooth beacons that play the compositions through visitors’ headphones as they move through the space. “As you approach each artwork, the music seamlessly shifts to match the painting’s mood,” Kim explains. “It’s a deeply personal and intimate encounter that enhances the emotional depth of the visuals.” This innovation merges Kim’s love for film’s collaborative aspects with her appreciation for the solitary process of painting, resulting in a distinctive and memorable viewing experience.

Despite the grandeur of her work, much of Kim’s inspiration stems from quiet, everyday interactions. She reflects fondly on simple acts of care, like her grandmother shielding her from the sun or her mother carefully tending to her hair. “These small moments of affection became a language of care within my family,” Kim says. “Through my work, I want viewers to think about the small, unspoken acts that hold meaning in their own relationships.”

Kim’s breakthrough moment came early in her career with a video piece titled “소주 한잔 해요 (Let’s Have Soju).” The work revolved around a phone call with her father and explored the symbolic meaning of sharing a drink—a rite of passage in many Korean families. After the exhibition, Kim recalls an elderly woman who, despite not speaking Korean, shared how the work reminded her of her father. “That experience taught me the power of personal stories,” Kim says. “Even specific cultural details can resonate universally.”

When Kim first began working on “Mae-Deup,” she had no set timeline for its completion or exhibition. “It was both liberating and daunting,” she recalls. “I had no guarantees that anyone would ever see it.” Yet, her confidence in the work and its meaning ultimately led her to push through moments of doubt. “I believed that if these pieces carried meaning, they would find their audience,” she says.

The opportunity to showcase “Mae-Deup” came when Galerie Shibumi invited her to exhibit. Known for its intimate setting and carefully curated shows, the gallery’s personal atmosphere was an ideal venue for Kim’s work. “It’s a space that feels personal,” Kim says. “You either discover it by chance, or you seek it out, which makes for a more meaningful encounter with the art.”

Kim’s work is deeply rooted in her personal history and Korean traditions, but it resonates with broader emotional themes. “I focus on universal human experiences—family ties, love, memory,” she explains. “Even if someone doesn’t share my background, they can connect to these emotions.” The synergy between Kim’s paintings and Waters’ music creates an emotionally rich experience that lingers with visitors long after they leave the gallery.

“Mae-Deup (매듭)” promises to be an unforgettable journey into the heart of memory, culture, and connection, drawing viewers into a world where the bonds between people transcend time and place.