Kim, Seunggu
Korean, b.1979
Tsuyoshi Ozawa (Japanese, b. 1965 Tokyo); Chen Shaoxiong (Chinese, b. 1962 Shantou); Gimhongsok (Korean, b. 1964 Seoul)
BiographySeunggu Kim’s series Better Days consists of detailed large-scale images of people vacationing in South Korea. Photographing primarily around the suburbs of Seoul, Kim focuses on the often-dense temporary retreats that are utilized by those who cannot afford to travel far from the metropolitan city. South Korean businesses are only required to give 15 days of vacation time per year, causing many people to plan their vacations on the short breaks given during national holidays and to stay close to the cities. His work highlights a fraught coexistence with nature as those living in a dense urban environment attempt to access nature. Kim earned his MFA from the School of Visual Arts at the Korea National University of Arts, Seoul. His work has been exhibited at the Filter Photo Space, Chicago; The Korea Society, New York City; and Aperture Gallery, New York City; among others.