Nov 27

Nov 27 Queer Utopias at Art Basel

As the art world gathers in anticipation of the upcoming Art Basel fair, our passionate Arts Editor Daniela, is thrilled to spotlight the work of Ken Gun Min—a visionary whose art masterfully intertwines themes of identity, space, and sex. Min’s bold explorations of queer utopias, shaped by his experiences as a gay Asian man navigating between Los Angeles and Seoul, make his work an unmissable highlight of the fair.

Min’s practice is a celebration of marginalized identities and the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community, offering a profound interplay between trauma and celebration. His recent works—dazzlingly rendered large-scale paintings and meticulously crafted folding screens—capture lush botanical imagery, celestial motifs, and intimate scenes of nude figures. They transform public and private spaces into imagined landscapes of queer liberation, blending Western and East Asian artistic traditions to stunning effect.

A centerpiece of Min’s presentation at Art Basel is his latest masterpiece, Ambiguous Yoga Club (2023). This radiant work depicts two muscular figures in a moment of sensual connection, set within a utopian garden alive with vibrant flowers and radiant sunlight. The erotic energy of the scene pulses through Min’s abstract gestures and dazzling, gem-encrusted embellishments, creating a surface as tactile as it is symbolic. Drawing on influences ranging from European mythology to Japanese woodblock prints, Min’s art invites viewers to contemplate visibility, desire, and meditative transcendence.

Min’s reimagined folding screens are equally captivating, employing traditional Korean pigments and Japanese book-binding techniques alongside European oil painting methods. These works challenge colonial perspectives and offer a nuanced exploration of masculinity and queer identity, celebrating traditionally feminized craft practices like embroidery and beadwork while asserting the power of overlooked narratives. Beyond the technical and thematic brilliance of his work, Ken Gun Min’s voice is vital for our time. His art delves into the immigrant experience, cultural assimilation, and the intersection of race, gender, and sexuality. By centering underrepresented communities and histories, he provides a platform for dialogue and reflection, ensuring that their stories are seen, heard, and celebrated.

Ken Gun Min’s work is not just art—it’s a revolution in storytelling. His ability to fuse beauty with subversion, intimacy with universality, makes his Art Basel presentation a must-see. This is the kind of art that stays with you, reshaping the way you see the world and yourself.

Min’s impressive career, from solo exhibitions at institutions like MCA Denver to his forthcoming sculpture commission at the Denver Art Museum in 2025, speaks to the growing recognition of his genius. At Art Basel, attendees will witness not only his artistic evolution but also his profound ability to challenge and expand our understanding of identity, space, and queerness.

If you’re heading to Art Basel this year, don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in Ken Gun Min’s visionary queer utopias. Prepare to be moved!

Nazarian/Curcio