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Ayoung Kim: A Visionary at the Intersection of Art and Technology

LG and the Guggenheim New York have announced that artist Ayoung Kim is the recipient of the 2025 LG Guggenheim Award. This recognition celebrates her innovative practice that integrates cutting-edge technologies and traditional artistic mediums to explore significant contemporary issues. Ayoung Kim, the third artist to receive this prestigious award, was chosen by an international jury composed of contemporary art leaders and will receive an unrestricted honorarium of $100,000.

Ayoung's work is notable for its ability to blend virtual reality, game engines, and live simulations with performance, sculpture, and printmaking. Her art invites viewers to ponder profound questions about the digital age, time, and the human experience. Naomi Beckwith, Deputy Director and Chief Curator at the Guggenheim New York, stated, "Ayoung Kim’s pathbreaking work invites viewers not only to marvel at her technical mastery but also to engage with deep questions about time and the human experience in an accelerating digital age."

Innovative Practices

Ayoung Kim's artistic journey is shaped by her unique ability to leverage technologies that enhance storytelling. Trained in motion graphics, she crafts intricate virtual environments that reflect classical cinematic elements. She utilizes modern techniques, including motion capture and animation software, to create immersive narratives that unravel across time, space, and culture. Her projects often delve into themes inspired by Webtoon aesthetics and GL (Girls' Love) concepts, transforming research into rich speculative worlds.

In her work, she investigates aspects of human life through lens-based media, exploring the lives of algorithmically managed service workers and refugees. This perspective bridges various narratives, encompassing historical research and intimate documentation into cohesive and engaging forms of artistic expression. Ayoung’s reflections extend toward advocating for a deeper understanding of artificial intelligence and its implications for humanity, interweaving themes from particle science to the cosmological questions of existence.

Vision for the Future

“I have always wanted to comment on the impact of technology in our society by using it. As technology advances, human life inevitably becomes more intricate,” Ayoung Kim remarked. Her philosophy embraces the complexities and anxieties brought by technological advancements, reflecting a balance between optimism and critical engagement with digital evolution.

Furthermore, as part of the LG Guggenheim Art and Technology Initiative, which aims to explore the dynamic relationship between technology and art over a five-year span, Ayoung will play a pivotal role in pioneering discussions surrounding these topics.

Celebrating Ayoung Kim

Ayoung's achievements will be celebrated at the upcoming Young Collectors Council (YCC) Party hosted by LG Display on May 8, 2025. This event will be an opportunity for guests to experience the intersection of technology and art first-hand.

Impact and Legacy

Ayoung Kim’s works have reached audiences worldwide, with exhibitions in renowned institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Berlin International Film Festival. Her accolades include multiple prestigious awards, highlighting her role as a trailblazer in merging artistic expression with technological innovation.

In conclusion, Ayoung Kim’s recognition as the 2025 LG Guggenheim Award recipient emphasizes the changing landscape of contemporary art—one where technology serves not just as a tool, but as a narrative and conceptual partner. The future of art is promising, especially with innovators like Kim leading the way towards expansive dialogues on humanity’s relationship with technology.

For more information about the LG Guggenheim Art and Technology Initiative and Ayoung Kim’s upcoming projects, visit Guggenheim's official page.