Jihyun Kim

Jihyun Kim (b. 1997) is a ceramic designer from South Korea. Holding a Master of Arts in Ceramics and Glass from the Royal College of Art, her work is recognized internationally and was showcased at events such as Milan Design Week and the British Ceramic Biennale. She is currently creating works in her London studio.

Jihyun Kim’s creations blend sculptural and functional elements, drawing inspiration from her Korean cultural heritage and the mystical qualities of ceramics. Her work is informed by Korean fairy tales, folk beliefs, and superstitions. Raised by her grandmother from a young age, she was taught specific habits and rituals to follow. After moving to a new country, she became aware of how deeply these lessons had shaped her perspective, allowing her to recognize beauty and ancestral wisdom within them. She incorporates elements from these stories into her practice, translating them into functional ceramic designs.

The technical and visual language of Kim’s work is strongly influenced by the meticulous and unpredictable behavior of gloop glaze. She uses glaze as a material to evoke a sense of visual mysticism, aiming to prompt a reaction of “How is this possible?” Rather than treating glaze as a surface coating or decorative element, she integrates it into the structural formation of her pieces. By using gravity within the kiln, she allows the glaze to form intentional shapes on the ceramic body.

Through her practice, Kim seeks to share the rich tales and wisdom of Korea through witty, visually intriguing ceramic objects, inviting audiences to use and display them in their everyday spaces. Her work encourages viewers to discover magic within the mundane.

Visit Jihyun Kim’s website and Instagram page.