ARTIST BIO

Cassandra Kim is a contemporary artist whose paintings explore the unique personalities and characteristics of animals and reflect a lifelong love traditional art. Inspired by the master painters of the past, she seeks to put her own slightly absurd surreal twist on art by replacing animals with people. Pairing an unexpected animal with an image from past societies creates a visual paradox that inadvertently humanizes the portraiture and often makes people smile. The use of humor is a valuable way to break down barriers between people and art. She works in the combination of acrylic and then oil on board, and restores reclaimed antique and vintage wood frames she finds for her work. Each piece is carefully crafted to capture the essence of the animal, and to highlight their individual traits and quirks. Her hope is that her work will inspire others to see animals in a new light. While appreciating the beauty and diversity of the animal kingdom through her imagined society; she reminds the viewers of the deep connection we experience and all share. 

Cassandra lives in Richmond, Virginia with her husband and two children. She is a 2003 BFA Illustration graduate from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is the 2013 recipient of the Klondike Gold Rush National Park and Chilkoot Historical Site artist residency. After working commercially as an artist for 14 years, Cassandra turned her focus to her personal art full-time in 2018.  She has since exhibited in galleries across the United States and internationally.