About the Artist: The Dodo’s Dreamlike Guide

Born in 1988, Kim Sunwoo graduated from Dongguk University’s Fine Arts Department (BFA, 2015) and is a luminary in Korean contemporary art. Inspired by the extinct dodo—immortalized in Alice’s Wonderland—his dreamlike landscapes blend urban and natural realms, sparking reflections on freedom and identity. In 2015, he received the Ilhyun Travel Grant from Korea’s Ilhyun Museum, leading to a residency in Mauritius, the dodo’s final habitat, where his artistic exploration of the dodo began. His global residencies include Paris’s Cité Internationale des Arts and Tokyo’s 3331 Arts Chiyoda.

Kim’s cross-disciplinary work shines: in 2023, he designed two limited-edition bags for Bulgari’s Serpenti in Art, infusing the dodo into high fashion; in 2022, he collaborated with LG Electronics’ PuriCare Objet Collection, merging art and technology; and in 2018, he partnered with Hyundai Motors and Royal Salute. His work with Starbucks brought his dodo motifs to everyday life, cementing his influence in art and design.

Beyond the Map: Exploring the Essence of the Forgotten

Inspired by his 2015 Mauritius residency, Kim Sunwoo reflects on the dodo, which lost its ability to fly in the predator-free safety of its island home—a poignant irony when humans arrived. He muses, “In the comfort of society’s frameworks, have we too lost something uniquely our own?” Beyond the Map challenges us to venture beyond known boundaries, revealing uncharted landscapes. The exhibition features 17 new works in gouache and watercolor, reimagining the dodo as a symbol of curiosity and possibility, not foolishness.

Kim’s dodos, like unhatched eggs brimming with potential, roam misty jungles and urban scenes, embodying the unpredictability of life. These quiet travelers observe and reflect, urging viewers to break free from routine and rediscover imagination while raising awareness for biodiversity and sustainability.

Bringing the Dodo Beyond the Canvas

Beyond the Map is a visual and philosophical journey, paying tribute to the dodo and awakening our inner wanderer. Beyond the gallery, Kim Sunwoo brings art into daily life through a collaboration with G’day Coffee. Visitors can enjoy a coffee and take home a dodo-themed cup, extending the exhibition’s spirit. Join Kim Sunwoo to explore uncharted artistic frontiers!