Jean Jinho Kim: The Big Leap

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Jean Jinho Kim: The Big Leap

January 22 – April 19

355 Pod Space

Jean Jinho Kim turns inanimate practical materials or cast offs – from downspouts and car parts to wire fencing and flagging vinyl- into lively sculptures that suggest movement and change.

A gathering of her brightly painted objects appear to be on the move, ready to roll, leap, or march beyond the confines of the unconventional 355 Pod Space — a 70-foot wall of windows on the edge of Rockville Town Square —curated by VisArts in partnership with Federal Realty Investment Trust.

The function of the downspout is to funnel rain water from roofs and away from foundations. It is a ubiquitous, dutiful utilitarian addition to nearly every home. Kim’s downspouts are bent as if ravaged by a hurricane, sprayed with bright auto paint finishes, and sport wheels or boots. The downspouts, stripped of their practicality, morph into transitional forms that seem to come to life with quirky intentions and gestures. Kim’s The March, turns lengths of metal downspout into a brilliant neon green puddle jumper with pink rubber boots. The bright yellow glossy Roaming sprouts bright red funnels and a couple of wheels with a pose that suggests the potential for speed or collapse. The artist’s playful subversion of ordinary work-a-day materials into evocative sculptural forms also hints at serious issues. Super storms, specie mutation, and resourceful re-purposing come to mind, although Kim keeps the viewer guessing with humorous grace and generous respect for individual imagination.

About the artist:

Jean Jinho Kim was born in Seoul, Korea and moved to the United States after graduating from high school. Currently she works in Washington, D.C. Kim uses a wide range of materials from acrylic paint to found objects, to create 2-dimensional paintings and 3-dimensional installations. She earned her B.F.A. in painting from West Virginia University in Morgantown, and her M.F.A. in studio art at American University in Washington, D.C. She participated in residency programs in Berlin, Germany and Seravezza, Italy. Kim has exhibited her work in several solo and numerous group exhibitions in the U.S., Germany, Italy, Hong Kong and South Korea. Her work has been reviewed by The Washington Post, The Korean Times, and Korea Daily.

About the 355 Pod Space:

The 355 Pod Space is a partnership between VisArts and Federal Realty Investment Trust to present site-specific artist installations through 2020.

Directions to 355 Pod Space: Turn right when you exit the building, you will be on Gibbs Street. At Beall Avenue (at the first “Stop” sign), turn right. Stay on Beall Avenue until you reach Hungerford Drive (Route 355). Turn right at Hungerford Drive (Route 355). Walk beyond the CVS. The 355 Pod Space will be on your right, just after the entrance to the parking garage.

About Federal Realty:

Federal Realty is a recognized leader in the ownership, operation and redevelopment of high-quality retail-based properties located primarily in major coastal markets from Washington, D.C. to Boston as well as San Francisco and Los Angeles. Founded in 1962, Federal Realty’s mission is to deliver long term sustainable growth, through investing in densely populated affluent communities where retail demand exceeds supply. Federal Realty’s 104 properties include approximately 3,000 tenants, in 24 million square feet, and over 2,600 residential units. For additional information about Federal Realty and its properties, visit www.federalrealty.com.

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