Kim Jungman: HOWEVER WE SAW THE SAME STAR

The highly anticipated exhibition HOWEVER WE SAW THE SAME STAR, dedicated to the late South Korean photographer Kim Jungman (1954–2022) opened last weekend at Kulturstiftung Basel H. Geiger I KBH.G. This exceptional collection of works, running from December 1, 2023 to February 11, 2024, marks Kim Jungman’s first solo exhibition in Europe in over four decades. 

Kim Jungman, renowned for his international success in fashion, advertising, and celebrity photography, underwent a profound transformation in his artistic career in 2006. He embarked on a journey from Mongolia through the Gobi Desert to China, which became a pivotal artistic turning point for him. The shift led him to focus intensely on nature, landscapes, the cultural identity of Korea, and various parts of Asia. HOWEVER WE SAW THE SAME STAR presents approximately 35 of his most captivating photographs created between 2006 and 2017, paying tribute to the legacy of this remarkable artist.

Kim Jungman’s commitment to the exhibition was unwavering, despite his unfortunate passing during the detailed planning phase. The exhibition showcases images of remarkable scale and depth, with a predominant focus on Asian landscapes imbued with a meditative essence. The unique format of the monumental landsacpes, engulf and transport the audience into a different world and time. The works become thresholds, luring one into a world seen through the lense  of Jungman, but otherwise unseen by the naked eye. As aptly described by Raphael Suter, Director of KBH.G, these photographs are “Masterpieces of an artist at peace.” Jungman had his first and only solo exhibition in Europe in the mid 1970s before receiving the Young Artist Award at the International Photography Festival “Rencontres Internationales de la Photographie d’Arles” in 1977.

The exhibition title, HOWEVER WE SAW THE SAME STAR underscores Kim Jungman’s intent. Neo Kim articulates his father’s thoughts, stating, “No matter where we are, East or West, we ultimately perceive the same. The landscapes in these photographs are observed with the same heart and emotions, irrespective of our current location or roots, whether in the East or West.” Regarding his photo series, Kim Jungman once explained himself: “If ‘Can You Hear The Wind Blow’ is poetry, then ‘East’ is literature. If ‘Can You Hear the Wind Blow’ represents my heart, then ‘East’ represents my world.”

Kim Jungman’s artistic journey, from commercial success to his profound connection with nature and culture, is beautifully encapsulated in this exhibition. His work reflects a profound sense of unity between East and West, offering viewers an insight not only into his photographic artistry but also into his emotional world and his sense of home.

A publication in German and English is available.
Free entry