Makers
Makers
Makers
Ken Khun
Ken Khun is an Auckland based graphic designer, who completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts majoring in Graphic Design in 2017 and is currently studying towards his Master of Fine Arts. Ken recently had his first solo show ‘Golden’ at Comet project Space.
Congratulations on your recent Best Design - Gold Award! Can you tell us a bit about that project?
Thank you! I was really surprised! Aupuni Mō‘ī o Hawai‘i / Kingdom of Hawai‘i is a contemporary interpretation of traditional forms, cultural significance, symbolism and rich history imbued within the Heirloom Kapa Hawaiian quilt, 1910. The outcome being a wallpaper positioned the work between digital and print and acknowledged the traditional craft of the quilt.
The Kingdom of Hawai‘i draws on the formal qualities of the Hawaiian Islands but brings in experimentation on how the geographical shapes of the landforms can interact with each other to create patterns. Through juxtaposition, the design resulted from references of the style, Terrazzo.
The design communicates an all-embracing celebration of the Hawaiian Monarchy and the archipelago islands. There's a link to the eight major islands that make up the Kingdom of Hawai‘i: Hawai‘i, Maui, O‘ahu, Kaua‘i, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Ni‘ihau, and Kaho‘olawe. Often unnoticeable on the map, the emphasis is placed through the exploration of scale and colour that represents the islands.
With such a strong looking future in Design, what made you want to do your master’s degree in Fine Art?
To challenge myself to develop a stronger ability of visual literacy and critical thinking at a mastery level. I was drawn to the idea of experimenting with new materials and concepts, in hopes to develop new skills and knowledge that could conceptualise and shape my practise.
How would you describe your artistic practice?
An assemblage of mixed medias and trials and errors.
What made you choose Comet Project Space for your first solo show?
I wanted to create an intimate yet dark space that could facilitate the ideas being projected by Golden. Comet Project Space is an amazing space that allowed the work to operate but also tied in nicely with the themes explored of private and public. It is such a good support for artists to showcase their work.
What are you working on next?
Onto hand embellishing 50,000-100,000 crystal beads as a further investigation into glamour and desire. Oh, and it’s going to be pink!
Check out more images from Ken's show Golden
