
mijin chun is a visual artist, daydreamer, and quiet rebel.
Mijin was born in New Jersey and raised in South Korea. She endured the notorious Korean high school schedule – from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM – while secretly sketching portraits of celebrities and graphic novel characters. After majoring in Fashion Design at Seoul Women’s University, she continued her studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. She launched her career as a fashion designer and illustrator in New York, where her artwork was featured on products sold at premier retailers such as Bloomingdale’s and Saks Fifth Avenue.
While marriage and motherhood shifted her personal and professional journey, Mijin reignited her passion for art in the fall of 2023. Since then, her paintings have been selected for various juried exhibitions. Notably, she received the People’s Choice Award in the Highly Animated Show (Beach Kraft Gallery / Olney, MD) in both 2024 and 2025.
Statement
SurReality Show – I love my two-dimensional world on flat paper. Two dimensions are so surreal, as if reality has been slapped by a cruel, serious mob. That is why my world also carries some bruises and tears; yet rebelliously, it remains humorous and dreamy despite it all. This reminds me of a circus – sad and silly, yet beautiful and breathtaking. These two worlds – the two dimensional and the circus – feel like unidentical twins, and I am often drawn to both. They are my irresistible, long-time muses.
Tiny Treasure – I create small pieces of art, much like a tiara holding unforgettable memories – sometimes for a few people, sometimes just for myself. While I don't mind a slight variation in scale, I've found that 6" x 6" is the perfect "just right" for these intimate treasures.
Fabulous Fashion – Growing up in the Far East, I always admired the Rococo and Baroque styles. I find it impossible to resist the opulent details of the vintage era (Yes, Marie Antoinette!), delicate textiles, and sophisticated embroidery. Naturally, extra-adorned hairstyles are among my favorites subjects to explore.
Slow Cooker – Inevitably, my love for vintage has led me to appreciate dedicated craftsmanship, and I approach my art with that same devotion. I don't rush or push my pieces toward the finish line. A single work typically takes 40 to 50 hours – sometimes even longer – to complete. It is a therapeutic process that is entirely worth it; from the first draft to the final signature, every step feels precious. There is just one little problem... I haven't quite learned how to say goodbye to my dearest paintings yet. Alas!
한국 복식사 Traditional Korean Costume History 101 – Curiously, living here in the western world has sparked a deep fondness for the enchanted realm of Korean costume. In my research for something I could genuinely understand, I 'stumbled' back toward Korea and its fashion. Having breathed the graceful air of Korean artistry for half my life, I am now blending all those special ingredients together to create my own unique dishes.
Vulnerable Perfection – Whether it's the Rococo era or the Joseon dynasty, I have fallen for the vintage – the beauty created through hours of both endurance and delight. I imagine the creators' personal stories woven into every stitch and stroke. Their creations still mesmerize me, and I hope my art will endure and inspire you just as profoundly.
Exhibition
2025 • Highly Animated 2.0 (Beach Kraft Gallery • Olney, MD) – People's Choice Award Winner
2025 • 9인9색 9 artists 9 colors (Gallery Gaudium • Seoul, South Korea)
2025 • Mother (Girls Who Paint • Kensington, MD)
2025 • Feel The Love (Girls Who Paint • Kensington, MD)
2024 • An Opulent Gaze (Poetic Tiger Gallery • Boise, ID)
2024 • Small But Mighty (Girls Who Paint • Kensington, MD)
2024 • The Big Tiny Show (The District Gallery • Knoxville, TN)
2024 • Highly Animated (Beach Kraft Gallery • Olney, MD) – People's Choice Award Winner
2024 • Enchanted Kingdoms (Poetic Tiger Gallery • Boise, ID)
2024 • Sanctuary Of Expressions (Poetic Tiger Gallery • Boise, ID)
2024 • HandMade (VVS Museum • Seoul, South Korea)
2024 • Our Summer (VVS Museum • Seoul, South Korea)
2024 • Bloom Where You Are Planted (Girls Who Paint • Kensington, MD)
2024 • With Love (Girls Who Paint • Kensington, MD)
2024 • Small Works Big Impressions (Union Street Gallery • Chicago Heights, IL)
2023 • The Big Tiny Show (The District Gallery • Knoxville, TN)
2012 • The Spring Fling (The WAH Center • Brooklyn, NY)
2011 • D2P2 Annual Exhibition (Gallery Korea • New York, NY)
2010 • D2P1 Annual Exhibition (Da Gallery • New York, NY)