Jae Yong KIM (1973-) has gained international recognition for his ceramic works in the shape of donuts. Primarily drawing on images from mass media, his work challenges the misconception that fine art is inaccessible, aiming to engage the public and foster a deeper understanding. The universally recognisable shape of the donut serves as a medium through which the artist incorporates diverse cultural elements, resulting in variations and transformations of the form. Reflecting on his childhood travels across the East, West, and the Middle East, KIM incorporates his broad cultural experiences into his work. By merging symbols such as tigers and magpies from Eastern folklore, unicorns from Western mythology, and arabesque patterns from the Middle East, his work symbolises a modern society where diverse cultural elements converge, prompting new reflections and ideas.

KIM was born in Seoul, Korea, and currently lives and works in Seoul and New York. He received his Bachelor's degree in Ceramics & Sculpture at Hartford Art School, University of Hartford, USA and his Master's degree in Ceramics at Cranbrook Academy of Art. KIM worked as an Assistant Professor at Montclair State University from 2014 to 2015. Since 2015, he is currently working as an Assistant Professor of the Department of Ceramics at Seoul National University of Science & Technology. KIM’s works have been exhibited at renowned art institutions such as Powerlong Museum, Shanghai, China (2019); Waterfall Mansion & Gallery, New York, US (2019); Gwangju Museum of Arts, Gwangju, Korea (2019); Noblesse Collection, Seoul, Korea (2019); and Lyons Wier Gallery, New York, US (2019). His works are part of public collections including, Powerlong Museum in Shanghai, China, Dennos Museum Center in Traverse City, US, and University of Hartford in West Hartford, US.