NINA JUN
Biography
Nina Jun
Korean artist Nina Jun reexamines the levity and gravity of helium balloons by solidifying them, transforming the typically weightless objects onto ceramic variations of themselves. The icons of celebration are recreated in the solid medium, varying in shape and silhouette; some take on a rectangular formation while others delineate flowers, hearts and stars. The seemingly blown-up items mimic the airy expansion that takes place inside traditional balloons, accurately appropriating visual characteristics of the mylar toy. On each’s facade is painted vibrant colors, patterns, polka dots and 3-dimensional butterflies, adding a sense of whimsy to every creation.
Jun explains, “helium balloons are symbols of happy occasions but like moments of happiness, they do not last very long. by making permanent balloons, I would like to provide a medium in which our happiness could possibly stay with us forever.”
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Nina Jun is a sculptor and installation artist who was born in Korea and moved to America in her early 20s.
She studied at California State University, Long Beach, California and graduated with an MFA in Sculpture in 2002.
Nina’s concept of art, which was first influenced by her identity as a Korean and is now opened up to global symbols of happiness, mylar balloons. Her fascination of the ceramic balloons, which contain both forces of levity and gravity, keeps her interested in continuing to work on transforming these disposable objects into permanent art works that provide an endless possibility of visual expression. The patterns and motives on her ceramic balloons reflect cosmic images- polka dots: galaxies, butterflies: constellations, flower patterns: orbits, triangular composition: supernovae, and the double circles: laniakea, the newly discovered superclusters in the Universe.Recently Nina has completed her ceramic balloons for Hello Kitty on a commission by Sanrio, Japan on the 40th Anniversary of Hello Kitty. Her work are included in 'Hello! Exploring Supercute World of Hello Kitty Exhibit ' at Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles.
Nina had been invited twice by NCECA (National Council for Education of Ceramic Arts), for its conventions in Portland, OR and Kansas City, MO.
Nina Jun has had 12 solo shows and numerous group shows including 18 international art fairs. Her works have been published in Sculpture Magazine; the Los Angeles Times; Korea Monthly Ceramics; Ceramics Review, London; Sculptures Pacific Magazine, Canada; Design Amid Magazine and Designboom: Architecture, Art & Design, Italy.
