Manhattan Bridge, New York, NY, USA, 2009, Digital C-Print, 101.6 x 152.4cm, by Miru Kim
Demolition Zone, Aeogae, Seoul, Korea, 2009, Digital C-Print, 76 x 115cm, by Miru Kim
Michigan Theater, Detroit, MI, USA, 2009, Digital C-Print, 76 x 115cm, by Miru Kim
New York-based photographer Miru Kim makes her solo debut in Korea at Gallery HYUNDAI this month. Kim, who has explored urban ruins around the globe – subway stations, tunnels, sewers, catacombs, hospitals, factories and shipyards – juxtaposes her own, young and healthy body with the ghosts of abandoned industrial sites with haunting self-portraits in a series entitled “Naked City Spleen.” Recently, she’s also begun photographing herself with still-vibrant urban landmarks, such as the Williamsburg and Manhattan bridges.
The exhibition at gallery HYUNDAI Gangnam Space runs August 25th to September 13th, 2009. It will feature 48 large photographs from Naked City Spleen. The color catalogue contains 36 images and stories by Kim. The preface is an essay by Richard Vine, managing editor of Art in America.
Kim was born in Massachusetts and raised in Seoul. She attended Columbia University and Pratt Institute in NY. To learn more about Miru Kim, check out her great TED talk below. And look for my interview with Miru Kim in the upcoming fall issue of Clear Magazine.
For more information on the exhibit, visit Hyundai Gallery.