The Bronx Museum 2025 AIM Fellow
Leekyung Kang
ARTIST STATEMENT
Inspired by Buddhist cosmology’s cyclical nature, Leekyung Kang (she/her) delves into spatial understandings and recursive patterns where worlds intertwine and circulate endlessly. Her recent residency at the Sanford Underground Research Facility involved collaborating with physicists to explore “dark matter” and hidden realms on Earth, contextualized within the framework of Asian culture. This experience enriched her exploration of interconnected scientific, cultural, historical, philosophical, and religious perspectives.
Recently, she has been fascinated by the history of visual symbols and iconic references from East Asia to the West via the diaspora. During the research, she found that there is not necessarily much existing historical, archeological, or ritual evidence supporting the history of East Asia ancient mythology and how it is influenced by national consciousness. By investigating insufficient historical references, she realized the lack of information stimulates her creativity, and she seeks to share it with viewers, whether it’s sparking conversations or raising awareness about critical traces via trans-continental history.
The work deciphers how the spiritual iconography is reinterpreted in her visual language and expands her creative pursuits across diverse dialogues that intertwine aspects of Asian art and the humanities.
Biography
Leekyung Kang explores the cyclical nature of Buddhist cosmology and ancient divine presences, expanding my creative pursuits across diverse dialogues that intertwine aspects of Asian art and the humanities. Kang’s artwork has been featured in numerous exhibitions worldwide, including the Sungkok Art Museum, Kumho Art Museum in Seoul and the Sanford Underground Research Facility.
Additionally, she has participated in several residencies internationally, including the Fountainhead fellowship at Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar, the Frans Masereel Centrum in Belgium, and the Vermont Studio Center. Her work is included in prestigious collections, like the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Korea, underscoring her impact on contemporary art.
In addition to her artistic practice, Kang contributes to the art community, awards, and professional service. She has received notable grants, including the Kumho Young Artist Stipend Award and the Thomas Chen Family/Crystal Window Endowment in 2024. In 2025, she received a 2025 AIM Fellowship at The Bronx Museum. Kang earned her MFA from Rhode Island School of Design and BFA from Seoul National University.