Ayoung Kim (b. 1979, Korea) explores present-day issues concerning the modern and contemporary history of Korea, the politics of petroleum, territorial imperialism, and the migration of capital through video, installation and performance. Working within a conceptual framework known as “techno-orientalism” and “Asian futurism”, these narratives take on different forms of video, VR, sonic fiction, moving images, films, texts, game simulations, and immersive speculative installations.

InPH Express and Zepheth, Whale Oil from the Hanging Gardens to You, Shell, Kim’s synthesizing of image, diagram and text highlights ideas about virtual memory, border control, ancestral origins, nationhood, global resources, and gender roles — including the relationship between antient myths, technology and the mystery of our built environment.

Kim has exhibited internationally through solo shows at the Kuandu Museum of Fine Arts, Taiwan (2022); Palais de Tokyo, Paris (2016); Seoul Art Space Mullae (2015); Maraya Art Centre, Sharjah (2015); Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) (2014); KünstlerhausBethanien, Berlin (2012), Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, Seoul (2012), and the Museum of Arts and Design, New York (2011). She was also part of group shows at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York (2024); M+ Hong Kong (2024); National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, MMCA, Seoul (2023), Zaludowicz Collection, London (2011), Museum of Contemporary Art Busan, Korea (2021); Saatchi Gallery, London, UK (2009).

She has participated in the Sharjah Biennial 15, Sharjah, UAE (2023); 34th Singapore International Film Festival (2023); 22nd Biennial Sesc_Videobrasil(2021); Melbourne Festival (2017); the Serpentine Galleries' public program (2016), and the 56th la Biennale di Venezia (2015), CitéInternationale des Arts, Paris, France (2010) and the Summer Exhibition 2010, Royal Academy of Arts, London, UK (2010). 

Kim earned a M.A. in Fine Art, Chelsea College of Arts, London (2010) and a B.A. (Honours) in Photography, London College of Communication, UK (2007). She was a finalist for the Korea Artist Prize, National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul (2019), and was awarded Young Artist of the Year Award, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Seoul (2015), and The British Institution Award, Royal Academy of Arts, London (2010). She currently lives and works in Seoul