Sorry, Young Kim
If you are following ArtPrize on Twitter, you may have noticed the new hashtag #sorryyoungkim.
The creation of that hashtag comes from an outpouring of affection for one artist and grief he did not make it into the Top 10. It is one of the most remarkable stories from the first week of ArtPrize, how Young Kim from North Carolina went from obscurity to the talk of the event over the course of a few days.
Young Kim is showing his piece, salt & earth, at 47 Commerce SW. It’s a beautiful, vacant one story space that is perfectly situated for the piece. However, it’s perfectly situated in the middle of a mass of construction. Roads are closed and construction crews are working on the block to the north, to the south, to the east and to the west. As traffic flow goes, it’s a venue in quarantine. Add to that Young Kim is not here promoting himself like so many other artists are, and you start to see the odds were stacked against him from the beginning.
But the piece speaks for itself.
Saturday night, I went to 47 Commerce around 9:30PM. There were maybe five other people in there, but whispers had begun that it was something to check out. Sunday, Brian Kelly posted the video embedded above and the buzz about Young Kim started to catch fire on Twitter and Facebook. Monday came with cold weather, rain and high winds battering the city. That evening, one of my coworkers walked over to 47 Commerce in the rain and said it was packed out.
Above, you can see the flow of votes for the front runner (unnamed here) next to votes for Young Kim during each day of the week. Kim’s votes trickle in while the front runner starts strong. Then, when the cold and rain hit the city, the front runner plummets while Kim holds the line. The final 24 hours was an all out sprint. And if it’s any consolation, Young Kim, it was very close.
Over the next week, a lot of stories will be told about the Top 10. For the tens of thousands who have come to ArtPrize, I hope you take the opportunity to dig around and find pieces like Young Kim’s that are tucked away all over the city.
Listen to Michigan Public Radio’s story on Young Kim (and Tanglefoot) today during All Things Considered and here.
Absolutely a hidden gem. My hat goes off to you Young Kim.
I for one was blown away by Young Kim’s work. I believe it would have won if it had made it into the Top Ten. I think it’s also worth discussing whether or not a popular vote (regardless of location) actually constitutes “good” art? Does the public have the ability to discern quality the way individuals can? I suppose much of this will be discussed tonight at UICA. Anyway, great work Young Kim! Very powerful.
He has a beautiful view of the world and we are lucky enough for him to have shared his artist vision and creativity…wonderful work Y.K. He made it in my top five.
Cheers.
While I’m sad (really sad) that Young Kim’s piece didn’t make the top ten, it was wonderful to kind of jadedly wander into the gallery and see this incredible composition. I’m hoping that the sudden upturn in votes based on word-of-mouth (which I really think, given another day or two, would have pushed him over the top) will encourage next year’s artists to give a different twist to their ideas and find new ways of using their skills. His ingenuity in this piece has definitely given me a different view of how art can be created.
I know more people who went out of their way to see this one piece than any other at art prize. Very impressive work and the venue was perfect.
When the question was posed last week “What artisit has to make into the top ten for you to sleep at night?” I hadn’t seen Young Kim’s exhibit or I would have absolutely said this one. As it was, I didn’t answer because nothing had moved me yet to feel that strongly. Once I saw it I couldn’t stop talking (and thinking) about it! What a thoughtful and thought provoking display and what a shame it didn’t get more votes. It deserved to be in the top ten for sure.
We saw Young Kim’s peice the first day Artpize opened my son and I parked on Commerce that day. I knew it was something special when my 10 year old sons eyes lit up as soon as we walke in the venue. I had to drag him out.
I have no idea how many, I would have gladly given any votes I received to have this man in the final 10.
Stunning work.
The mechanics of the work were astounding. The engineer in me wanted to know how it was done. The artist in me was drawn into the work. The ‘busy body’ in me was looking for people I knew!
I think the venue was a perfect space. I believe if he enters next year, he will be a ‘destination artist’ no matter where he exhibits. A moving piece…both in concept and execution.
I too, think that given better weather and the opportunity for more people to find the location of his work, he would have made it into the Top 10…and won! I think his piece embodied all that Artprize was about. From using local GR people to using local earth as a medium, and let’s not forget that it will be entirely SWEPT UP off the gallery floor after this is all over. A gift to all of us for just this short time. I loved it and I’m sorry Young Kim that more people couldn’t have the chance to see it before voting was over. Thank you for sharing your incredible talent with us all.
I have not seen this in person yet. I stumbled across it on this site. The pictures and concept alone left me speechless. I have told everyone I know to please go out of their way to see it and intend to take people with me when I go. While I feel some valid pieces made the top ten I was heartbroken that this one failed to make the cut. I want Young Kim to know how much his work is appreciated and that given different circumstances, I think he could have taken the top prize.
This was sad. Defitnely should of been in the top ten.
I have heard of his art and still want to get to see it. I don’t live right in GR, but a ways out. I’ll try and see it this weekend. I really believe that the voting should be divided between 2D art and 3D art. I love the sculptures and they really are eye catching and controverisial, but I feel that 2D art that was in different buildings didn’t get as much exposure and is a different enough art that they should be voted on separately. So, next year two different top tens!!!! yeah!
Nice work Young Kim. You left your mark at ArtPrize.
-Jimmy
There is so much amazing art. It’s sad that some lesser pieces received votes because they were more conveniently placed for viewing, while pieces like this one were overlooked.
Young Kim – your work is simply astonishing. The content, the craft, the mood, the setting…the best, by far, in ArtPrize. It shames some of the raucous, gaudy, vulgar entries at other venues with its stillness and grace. I vote the $250,000 to you. Like John Despres, I would gladly give you all the votes I received to get you in the Top 10. Please come back next year and take our breath away again!
Hey, how do the other artists get a cool graph of their votes too?
Has anyone noticed that 8 of the top ten were located in three venues. Three venues that probably saw the most traffic, because they were downtown at or near the headquarters of artprize: The Old Federal Building, the blue bridge, and the B.O.B. I am sure there are more than one hidden gems that should have done better. I would like to see artprize scoring to include not just the number of votes, but the percentage of votes up vs. down!
I agree with Aaron’s comments. If AP is to become a viable competition it needs to do at least two basic things. First, It needs change it ideology and have the entire applicant pool pre juried by a professional jury. People just do not have the ability to focus on over a thousand entries let alone a mass of poor quality. This is not a judgement against the public or the public vote, it’s a simple fact of life. Second, it needs to abandon the multiple, spread out location idea. AP should secure major centrally located, indoor and outdoor venues, in close proximity, where people can view the entries. This would be AP controlled venues such as UICA, The Federal Building and the Van Andle Arena. This would eliminate all disenfranchisement and allow a more pleasurable event for the public.
DEFINITELY NO JURY TO ENTER. NO JURY IN GENERAL. The event is unique, and we should let the experiment continue for a few years. Re-evaluate in 3-5 years if needed.
I think the only thing that needs to change is that we probably don’t need a week to check out the top 10, use the last week to let “buzz” artists like Kim to catch up to the high profile leaders.
I think the public conversation on the artists and their art is working, unfortunately the voting is done prematurely (in my opinion).
Give Kim another week, and he would have won.
Extending the length of time the event is going probably isn’t easy, but it will give an opportunity for works that aren’t in the main venues or large scale outdoor sculptures to percolate up in the voting.
Given the popularity of the initial event, and the extra business and foot traffic downtown, everyone may want a longer event next year.
Rock on Art Prize, West Michigan, and to Rick and all the people involved.
Ha! Funny, Richard. Now don’t be putting words in my mouth, ya hear?
But such is life. Sad as it is that YK didn’t get due notice, many superb artists don’t even get into shows because the jury looks at photos, not the actual art. Juries can be swayed by great photos, and choose lesser work at the expense of better work. The chips fall like this for all of us, at times. Neither AP nor any other exhibition can ever come up with a system that’s totally fair, whatever that is. Just enjoy the ride.
That said, I hope everyone leaves their work up through the 10th, as our contracts specify. I won’t get back to GR until late on the 8th, to pick up my piece, and sure want a couple of days to see some of this stuff. If it’s not there, that alone will tell me much about the artist. I hope AP takes note of any early dismantlers and disqualifies them next year for broken contract.
Saw the Young Kim piece last night (Oct 2, 2009) and am disappointed that it was overlooked by the majority for the top 10. I truly is one of the good pieces of ArtPrize. It encompasses both the art and the craft which I feel that many failed to accomplish. Hope that we can see more of it in the future. Sorry Young Kim!
Martin, you may be forgetting that venues like the Old Federal Building, UICA, and Ah-Nab-Awen Park were professionally curated, just to name a few. What you saw there is what those “jurists” wanted you to see. And what you saw at other venues are what the business owner “jurists” wanted you to see. You are mistaken if you think there was no jurying of any kind this year.
Oh, and since I am commenting on the “Sorry, Young Kim” post, I will definitely say he should have been in the top 10. Props to you, YK!
No professional jury please…keep it fresh, just allow more time for people to see all the work and please do not post the top 100. Let people decide for themselves. Wonderful event, just needs time to mature. Well done artist and thank you Rick Devos for the prize. Amazing what artist can do when they take over a town. Young Kim, can’t wait to see your exhibit next weekend. It’s keeping me going this week.
It’s a misfortune that this installation didn’t make it to the top 10. The artist’s work is truly inspirational. I was blown away by the in depth details that was put into each piece. If i had known about this during the first week of the contest, I would have most definitely voted for this. This installment of art far exceeds most of the top 10 pieces that made it to the final.
Young Kim’s “Salt & Earth” is one of my favorite pieces, it should be in the top ten. Yes there is a lot of bad art at Artprize, some people probably think my artwork is bad. Different Strokes for Different Folks. Artprize is a work in progress just like the artwork most of us do in our studios. I am more offended by BIG art designed by committees and their corporate events (which there are several examples in the top ten), than by the artist that is just starting out on their artistic journey and is trilled to be allowed to have his or her artwork in a major event. Rick DeVos came up with something very unique in Artprize, let it evolve into into it’s own work of Art!
Incredible work, Young Kim! Simply amazing! I am proud to be one of the “1,262″ with you this year! Congratulations!
Gabriella, you are correct that venues can be professionally curated, but they don’t need to be.
ArtPrize is an experiment in decentralization, and the variety of venues and how they are curated is a major part of that experiment.
In no way does some professional curating at some venues equal a juried ArtPrize.
ju·ry 1 (jŏŏr’ē)
n. pl. ju·ries
A committee, usually of experts, that judges contestants or applicants, as in a competition or exhibition; a panel of judges.
Martin, each venue had a person, or multiple persons, whether art professionals or not, judge the APPLICANTS, to decide which would be displayed at the venue. Every artist was juried before the public had a chance to vote.
Gabriela, I understand the relationship between venues and artists inherently includes some judging.
I’m simply encouraging ArtPrize officials to stay out of curating and judging.
I’m sorry if it sounded like I was saying something else.
Martin,
Artprize is sponsored by the UICA, and the UICA and old Federal Building (and city parks) were professionally curated by the UICA. A majority of Top Ten entries were professionally curated in connection with Artprize itself, and through the curation process, four of the Top Ten pieces were located at Artprize registration sites. This is a huge conflict of interest that seriously undermines the credibility of Artprize. If Artprize wants to continue growing and become recognized as a reputable part of a larger art conversation (larger than Grand Rapids), it must change these unfair first year policies. I see ENORMOUS potential for Artprize on a global art scale, but if it doesn’t provide a fair and open opportunity for artists worldwide, then this will have been the largest year Artprize will ever see.
To become what it claims it wanted to become “the largest Art Competition in the world” AP needs to make a ideological change. I’m not sure thats going to happen.
I disagree, Richard. All they need to do is execute the public voting system differently (percentage-based first round so it’s more fair to artists and more reflective of public taste), open up voting internationally (to build an international audience and artist pool), extend the initial voting period, produce an internationally-televised awards show, provide $500 awards to the top 100, and most definitely place registration sites at non-venue locations. They also need to hold large auditorium-style lectures, classes, and open forum debates on a daily basis throughout Artprize, to educate and really engage the public beyond what they would hear on Wood-TV. Also, an international vote wouldn’t have to determine the final number; it could simply make up 50% of first round voting (other 50% would be from in-person registration). That way locals are still encouraged to participate, but it would extend the conversation beyond Grand Rapids, and make Artprize internationally relevant.
Those are good ideas Aaron.
Aaron,
I really like your ideas.
But I’m still not sure I see the problem with the UICA’s affiliation and professional curating. It seems to me that if you’re going to have a contemporary art prize in a city, the city’s leading contemporary arts organization should be involved. And it also seems to me that if this contemporary art organization was doing it’s job, it should have good art. Excluding them, or forcing them to show random/lesser art doesn’t make sense to me. I do agree that more non-UICA venues should be registration locations.
I saw many pieces of art outside of the UICA venues, and I didn’t feel like a lot of other art should have been in the top 10 (save Young Kim). And if given more time as you and I have suggested, Young Kim would have made the top 10.
I do really like the idea of having an Internet vote… and maybe it doesn’t count toward anything but add to the conversation. The existing top 100 votes list was influential in what venues I visited, I think an international/internet top 25 could do the same.
Or invite artists to put a PayPal link on their site and people could vote with donations ($1), and list the artists with the most donations. This might help prevent anyone from gaming the voting system.
The problem with UICA (under the current voting system), is that voters assume all the best work is at the UICA, so that venue receives more traffic and also more votes. Add to that the fact that voters travel to that venue to register, and you create a huge disadvantage to other venues, and you disrespect artists by calling it an open competition, when in reality it’s unfair from the start. What motive is there for an artist to compete for $250,000 if only a few artists have the privilege of a predetermined professional curation? Of course, if the voting system is changed to a percentage-based outcome, then the UICA’s involvement in Artprize would be less of a problem. I just think that if you expect artists to take creative and financial risk by traveling to Michigan to compete in the world’s largest art prize competition, you should provide fairness and equality, and that means equal opportunities to get the public to vote on your work. The reality is that 99% of voters haven’t been to all the venues, but 99% have been to UICA, and Artprize was instrumental in making this inequality happen. If there wasn’t a $250,000 purse (and not a popular vote), then things would be different.
By the way, I have nothing against a large purse, and nothing against the UICA. If the voting system is improved, it will solve a lot of problems.
I was SO disappointed Young Kim didn’t make it into the top 10, but I’m also glad that so many are talking about it. Just goes to show that the work didn’t go unnoticed. Kudos to you Young Kim on a phenomenal Artprize entry
So do we need a Young Kim award…?
I, too, would have liked to see Young Kim’s work in the top 10. It obviously took a lot of time, effort, and talent to create the piece
I swear I’ve seen his work before, GR / Detroit / Chicago?
I had the chance to view this with another volunteer while walking out beat last weekend, and I was very impressed by how the work fits the space, reflects our community and has an emotional quality as well. Bravo. Only wish I had the chance to vote for it before the Wednesday deadline! I had so much to see and yet have seen only about 60% of the work. At least two full weeks before tallying votes would be nice for the future of ArtPrize!
I am not an artist, just a Grand Rapids resident who loves art. I was so excited about ArtPrize that I went down every day until I had seen every venue and every piece. I know I may be one of the few, I’m glad I saw some of the hidden gems, but I have to say Young Kim’s piece is the only one that I really would’ve loved to see in the top 10. There are others in the 10 that I don’t think belonged there but I’m not sure what I would’ve put in their place. I was happy to see the UICA curator’s award for Young Kim!
As for registration sites, I think Aaron has a valid suggestion. I believe that Frederik Meijer Gardens, the Ballet Company and the Library are the only registration sites that were non-venues. I volunteered to register people at the GRAM and the JW Marriott. I do think both were a natural fit for both being a registration site and being a venue. I don’t believe the GRAM had an advantage from it since their work was outside of the GRAM building, and even if the hotels gained an advantage of traffic, it didn’t seem to translate into votes. I think it’s a natural fit that the hotels register especially for the out of town guests. The trick would be finding other sites that support AP enough to host registration (quite a big endeavor) but aren’t a venue. Most of the sites that were willing to register were engaged and wanted to be venues. Even the colleges, which are a great registration site, were considered venues. In the end only 1 UICA piece made the top 10, so did it really matter? Still something to ponder.
We’ve known Young Kim since he was a freshman in the art department at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN. Even as a beginning student, Young would routinely blow us away with each assignment. He is one of the kindest, humblest and most talented individuals we have known… and continues to leaves us speechless.
He showed his work at APSU earlier this year and we were honored.
This is just the beginning!