K-pop star RM shows off his collection of Korean art at SFMoMA

K-pop sensation RM, whose real name is Kim Namjoon, displayed his extensive collection of Korean art at San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMoMA) during the exhibition "RM x SFMoMA: Between You and Me." The exhibition, which launched on October 7th, showcases 178 works, primarily from RM's private collection, complemented by 36 pieces from SFMoMA's holdings. The exhibition's curator, América Castillo, noted that the show has already sold out, with over 50,000 ticket reservations made for its opening weekend.

RM's fascination with art began accidentally in 2018, when he visited the Art Institute of Chicago while on tour with his music group, BTS. Inspired by the collection, he started to explore Korean art more deeply, soon becoming a dedicated collector. Over the past eight years, RM has amassed a significant collection, primarily featuring modern and contemporary Korean art, although he also includes works by artists from various other regions, such as Giorgio Morandi and Roni Horn.

The exhibition is divided into eight sections, each exploring different aspects of RM's relationship with the art pieces. The sections range from everyday life to deep human experience, and finally to a contemplative space. The curators aimed to create a structure that emerged from RM's personal connection with the works. Korean modern and contemporary art forms the core of the collection, but the exhibition also includes works by artists from the United States, Europe, and other parts of Asia, making it a truly global showcase.

Throughout the exhibition, RM contributed to the wall text and labels, providing insightful and poetic commentary on each piece. The exhibition title, "Home," encapsulates the essence of the collection, as RM embarked on this project to share his passion for Korean art and to help others appreciate the rich cultural heritage that has flourished despite centuries of colonization, war, and rapid development.