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Ha Nok Kim’s Graphic Novels: A New Dimension in Storytelling
Have you ever heard of “graphic novels”? They might seem like a cross between comics and novels at first glance, but they are truly a unique form of art. Graphic novels combine illustrations and text to convey stories, where each panel and image interact with the narrative to evoke emotions and immerse viewers in its depth.
Ha Nok Kim, a multidisciplinary artist, utilizes graphic novels as a medium to expand her artistic practice. Combining painting, webtoons, digital art, and writing, she pieces together elements like puzzle pieces to create a complete artistic universe. While each medium stands on its own, together, they form interconnected, grand narratives that embody her creative philosophy.
Ha Nok Kim’s works go beyond being individual works; they are intricately woven into cohesive stories, demonstrating her commitment to the idea of interconnectedness. Her reinterpretation of mythological narratives through a modern lens is a hallmark of her work. Across various mediums, she constructs a unique artistic realm, where myths are deconstructed and pieced back together in new and profound ways.
If you want to experience Ha Nok Kim’s works, where different genres connect like puzzle pieces, start exploring now!
Bridging Myth and Reality: Creating New Narratives
In Ha Nok Kim’s art, myths are no longer just tales from the past. They are alive, connected to the present, and continue to evolve in her creations. She shines a light on marginalized and silenced voices within mythological narratives, breathing life into their stories and reclaiming their agency.
For example, Pandora transforms into a divine figure who dismantles her oppression, no longer defined by the act of opening a box of calamities. Hella is reimagined as a powerful fusion of Medusa, becoming a symbol of resistance rather than victimhood. Aphrodite, meanwhile, wields love and desire as a weapon to challenge patriarchal authority, emerging as an independent and formidable character.
Ha Nok Kim deconstructs conventional structures within mythology to create new narratives. Her work weaves together stories and visuals, where different elements are seamlessly connected to form large-scale interconnected worlds. These reimagined myths carry bold and relatable messages, bridging the gap between the past and the present for her viewers.
In Ha Nok Kim’s art world, myths are not only reinterpreted but also become a foundation for modern questions and reflections. Her work prompts queries like “What kind of stories are we writing in our time?” and encourages viewers to engage with them on a deeper level.
Mixed media on wood board
(modeling paste, mother-of-pearl, acrylic paint, paper)
(2024)
60.7 X 120.1 cm
Eyes of All Things: A Reimagining of Hera
Among Ha Nok Kim’s notable works is Eyes of All Things, a reinterpretation of Hera, the Greek goddess known for her role as a protector of family and a figure of prophecy. This award-winning work, honored with a special prize at the 38th Korea Painting Contest in the Western Art category, garnered significant attention for its imaginative portrayal of Hera.
In this work, Hera’s symbolism is expressed through the vibrant feathers of the peacock and the omnipresent eyes watching over life itself. Her gaze avoids the distraction of Hermes’ flute, embodying a being who nurtures, observes, and protects life. Ha Nok Kim moves away from the conventional depiction of Hera as a “jealous goddess” and redefines her as a protector and prophet.
The work incorporates materials like gold powder, paper, modeling paste, acrylic paint, and mother-of-pearl on a wooden board. Its textures and lighting make Hera’s divine presence almost tangible, as the atmosphere shifts depending on the direction of light. Eyes of All Things also invites tactile interaction, making it more than just a visual experience.
Through this work, Ha Nok Kim highlights Hera’s story while breaking free from traditional mythological constraints. Here, Hera stands as a symbol of universal care and recognition of worth, delivering a powerful and relevant message to modern viewers.
Mixed media on canvas
(beads, modeling paste, varnish)
(2025)
70 X 146 cm
Breaking Boundaries to Create New Sensations
Ha Nok Kim’s work Sense pushes the boundaries of how art can be experienced. The work challenges the idea that visual art is designed solely for non-disabled individuals, proposing an alternative approach that incorporates both sight and touch.
Using mixed materials like beads, modeling paste, and varnish on canvas, Sense creates a textured surface that invites viewers to feel the work as well as see it. This innovative experiment in visual and tactile feedback demonstrates how art can provide a multisensory experience, encouraging viewers to engage in new ways.
Ha Nok Kim’s creative process is about integrating diverse mediums to expand the boundaries of artistic expression. Her use of unconventional combinations—such as printing digital works onto canvas and blending them with paint—produces unique contrasts and textures. These methods ensure that her works remain dynamic, changing moods and impressions depending on the environment and lighting.
Sense encapsulates Ha Nok Kim’s experimental spirit, showcasing her ability to transcend traditional artistic forms. With works that connect visuals, textures, and ideas, she invites viewers to explore art from fresh perspectives. Her philosophy is rooted in the belief that art should be inclusive and accessible to all, serving as a gift for everyone to experience.
Mixed media on canvas
(mother-of-pearl powder, acrylic paint, gesso)
(2024)
40.6 X 61 cm
A Journey of Endless Exploration
Ha Nok Kim continually explores how art connects to our lives, proposing innovative approaches to storytelling and expression. Recently, she has actively contributed to the <Project Nest>, supporting the growth of emerging artists and revitalizing local art communities. Through exhibitions such as Pandora’s Daughters, Phantom Pain, Hella’s Mjolnir, and A Room of One’s Own, she delivers messages that resonate deeply with viewers.
Her creative pursuits aim to awaken senses, amplify marginalized voices, and inspire new ways of understanding the world around us. By blending mythology with contemporary narratives, painting with digital art, and abstraction with structure, Ha Nok Kim creates spaces where art and storytelling are deeply intertwined.
To explore Ha Nok Kim’s art world further, visit her portfolio website or follow her journey on Instagram.
If you want to learn more about artworks inspired by Eastern philosophy
Zenakim explores the harmony between Eastern philosophy and contemporary art. The artist presents works that evoke meditation and enlightenment, offering a profound and reflective experience.
