Zoey Kim personifies cats in her blurred and vivid illustrations

The Dubai-based creative is all about fun in her illustration practice, where she simplifies objects and figures in her surroundings.

Date
9 October 2023

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Zoey Kim’s illustrations are almost reminiscent of childhood discovery; the first time you first realise that a pet can indeed be a best friend, and the not-so fun element of routine. With all her drawings made digitally on her iPad, Zoey initially had a period of being stuck trying to forge her own style, but she has now “found peace by having fun blurring, using various vivid colour codes and simplifying subjects,” she tells us.

Born and raised in South Korea and currently living in Dubai, Zoey’s creative influences are simply found in her surroundings. From new music, to playing hide and seek with her cat and watching nostalgic cartoons that evoke memories of her childhood, she uses her style and subject matter as a way to connect the dots within her life. “I hope that people feel love, fuzziness and joy when they see my drawings. I want to give people the opportunity to feel whatever emotions come up when they see my work,” she adds.

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Zoey Kim: Breakfast (Copyright © Zoey Kim)

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Zoey Kim: Garden House (Copyright © Zoey Kim)

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Zoey Kim: Ghost House (Copyright © Zoey Kim)

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Zoey Kim: Kimbab (Copyright © Zoey Kim)

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Zoey Kim: Long Hair Problems (Copyright © Zoey Kim)

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Zoey Kim: Midnight (Copyright © Zoey Kim)

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Zoey Kim: Missed You (Copyright © Zoey Kim)

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Zoey Kim: Sandcastle (Copyright © Zoey Kim)

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Zoey Kim: Summer (Copyright © Zoey Kim)

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Zoey Kim: The Guardian (Copyright © Zoey Kim)

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Zoey Kim: Are You Done (Copyright © Zoey Kim)

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About the Author

Yaya Azariah Clarke

Yaya (they/them) was previously a staff writer at It’s Nice That. With a particular interest in Black visual culture, they have previously written for publications such as WePresent, alongside work as a researcher and facilitator for Barbican and Dulwich Picture Gallery.

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