Interview
Kiwan Kim
Kiwan Kim is a South Korean tattoo artist who has been tattooing since 2013. He is currently working in Seoul, South Korea.
Kiwan enjoys creating customized tattoos and strives for perfection in the tattoo industry. His favorite tattoo style is the Korean traditional mandala tattoo, a unique form that is based on Korean Dancheong patterns. Kiwan strives to increase global awareness of Korean mandala and Dancheong designs.
Kiwan has been featured in numerous renowned media outlets, including iNKPPL Tattoo Magazine, VoyageLA, Scene360, Shoutout LA, and Sohu. He has maintained a long-standing partnership with Dirk Tattoo, the premier Chinese supplier of tattoo equipment.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I’m a tattoo artist, and I’ve loved painting since I was a child. I didn’t go to art school, but I did take a private sketching class when I was younger. I made the decision to become a tattoo artist when I was 22 and studied under three master tattooists. My first tattooist taught me much about tattoo maintenance and cleanliness, as well as how to operate a tattoo machine. To continue improving my tattooing techniques, I moved on to my second instructor from whom I also learned how to design different tattoos. From my third teacher I learned how to create black and gray tattoos, as well as how to increase tattoo fidelity.
Throughout my tattooing education, I strengthened my willpower and gained a comprehensive understanding of the Korean tattoo art market. Throughout the first several years of my tattooing profession, I mostly created black-and-gray tattoos to hide and correct scars or unsatisfactory tattoos to suit the needs of my clients.
After a while, I decided to take a different route. I began inking Dancheong mandala tattoos, which are a combination of Mandala and Korean Dancheong patterns.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“The world wasn’t familiar with Korean tattoos when I began, so I started creating a tattoo style with Korean characteristics to make the world aware of the stunning patterns seen in Korean tattoos. My favorite aspect of Korean culture is Dancheong, a distinctive traditional technique full of color.
One of my favorite patterns is the mandala, which can represent a wide range of ideas, such as inner harmony, the soul, eternity, or something personally important and special to the client.”
Which current art world trends are you following?
“I don’t adhere to any specific artistic trends. Instead, I concentrate on my unique tattoo designs. I like being free to express what I want to express. I’m creating my own variation of the Dancheong mandala using thick lines. Since the line is thick rather than thin, it’s easy to recognize at a glance.”
“I work to spread knowledge about the Korean mandala and Dancheong patterns worldwide.
Additionally, this Korean traditional mandala tattoo style sets me apart from majority of tattoo artists working in the Korean tattoo market.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“I’m a planner. Before I begin a tattoo, I try to design it in as much detail as I can. I have found the quality of the work increases with the level of preparation. When a good idea arises while I’m designing, I discuss it with my client and get to work on it immediately.”
What process, materials, techniques, etc., do you use to create your artwork?
“I consider how to place a tattoo on a person’s body before I begin working on it. I look at the person’s body type and then suggest a Dancheong mandala that is appropriate for that body type. I then decide which tools to use, such as tattoo inks and needle machines. I employ strong tools to create thick lines. Since I often prefer straight lines, I have a habit of holding my breath while drawing lines.”
What does your art mean to you?
“I’m currently battling colon cancer. Tattoos have strengthened me as a person. I’m more driven and courageous in the face of life’s adversities because I pursue my passion. I frequently employ the Dancheong ‘Juhwamun’ tattoo design when battling the illness. The word Juhwamun means ‘everything goes well’, and this is the reason I’m strong. I frequently use Juhwamun to wish that ‘all goes well’ for both myself and my client.”
What is your favorite artwork and why?
“My favorite piece of work is a neck tattoo I created for a fellow tattoo artist. He’s also a good friend of mine, and I appreciate him a lot. A good friend who both helps me grow, and get to know myself better.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I’ve given interviews to numerous media outlets and publications from China, Russia, the United States, and others.
Unfortunately, due to my health, I haven’t had the chance to attend any exhibitions in recent years. After I’m fully recovered, I want to travel more and go to more international tattoo conventions.
Attending exhibitions and being interviewed are both beneficial ways to advance intercultural dialogue and public awareness of Korean tattoos. I’m grateful to have the opportunity.”
Instagram: @kiwa_jip
