Academy of Art University 625 Sutter Gallery Brings Energetic Focus to Hyeong-Gon Kim's Artistry

PR Log (Press Release) – Apr 18, 2008 – Fluently imparting a naturalist’s passion for untarnished landscape and a seasoned artist’s agility in rendering the classical essence of the human figure, Academy of Art University (http://www.academyart.edu) recent MFA graduate Hyeong-Gon Kim harnesses the full prowess of his craft in his sublime oil paintings.   The Academy’s 625 Sutter Street Gallery(http://my.academyart.edu/campusinfo/gallery_info.html), in the heart of San Francisco’s downtown gallery district, devotes its exhibition space this month to an exquisite collection of Kim’s artwork.  Subtly incorporating the fluidity of Kim’s adeptness in historic Korean painting traditions, the exhibit reflects his indisputable mastery in revealing the nude female figure on canvas with a decidedly sculptural authenticity.

With strong roots and a background in fine art teaching in Korea, Kim has embarked on a highly successful painting career in the United States, of which the art world has certainly started to take notice.  Emphasizing the delightful ability to be momentarily transported by the visual splendor of his idyllic landscapes, Kim shares, “The ability to create another reality on canvas is what motivates me to paint.”  By making painting his “life and passion,” Kim brings to light visions of pure grace to admirers of the tranquil nature of his work.

During his studies at the Academy of Art University Kim received several coveted accolades for his artwork, including the Director’s Choice Award in Figure Painting at the Academy’s 2007 Annual Spring Show and First Prize in Landscape Painting at the Academy’s 2006 Annual Spring Show, a central point for recruiting artistic talent each year on the west coast.  Kim’s remarkable artistry has also been recognized by Texas’ nationally regarded Greenhouse Gallery with juried exhibition in its 2007 and 2008 International Salon.  In addition, a striking portrait centered on a young woman’s piercing gaze won Certificate of Excellence at the 2006 Portrait Society of America Exhibition in Chicago.  

The Academy of Art University’s 625 Sutter Street Gallery is located at 625 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 and is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8AM to 5PM and Saturdays from 10AM to 5PM.  Hyeong-Gon Kim’s collection will be on view through April 30, 2008.  All Academy of Art University galleries are nonprofit institutions, with 35% of proceeds from the sale of artwork benefiting the Student Scholarship Fund and the remainder received by the artist.  For requests of high-resolution images of artwork or a detailed artist biography on Hyeong-Gon Kim, please contact Larissa Dozier at (510) 219-3100 or larissadozier@sbcglobal.net.  

Founded in 1929, the Academy of Art University is the nation's largest private art & design university, offering accredited Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, or Master of Fine Arts degrees in thirteen areas of art & design, and over 30 areas of academic emphasis. With over 11,000 students both online or on campus, majors include Advertising, Animation/Visual Effects, Architecture (MFA only), Computer Arts/New Media, Digital Arts/Communications (AA, BFA Only), Fashion, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Interior Architecture & Design, Industrial Design, Motion Pictures & Television and Photography.  Academy of Art University is nationally accredited by WASC, NASAD, Council for Interior Design Accreditation (Formerly FIDER), (BFA-IAD), and NAAB (M-ARCH).