Artist's Reception - Mijin Chun Presents: "Poetic Circus"

Artist Mijin Chun will present her solo exhibition, “Poetic Circus,” at Beach Kraft Studio and Gallery, with an opening reception on September 05, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.
The exhibition will be on view from September 05 through September 30, 2026
Born in New Jersey and raised in South Korea, visual artist Mijin Chun discovered her passion for art at an early age, secretly sketching portraits during the notorious Korean high school schedule. After earning a degree in fashion design from Seoul Women’s University, she continued her studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Mijin Chun 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. Although marriage and motherhood shifted the course of her personal and professional life, Mijin Chun reignited her passion for art in the fall of 2023. Since then, her paintings have been selected for numerous juried exhibitions. Notably, she received the People’s Choice Award in the Highly Animated show at Beach Kraft Gallery in both 2024 and 2025.

Chun’s “Poetic Circus” acrylic gouache series explores a two-dimensional world painted on flat watercolor paper. Her SurReality Show, inspired by the contrasting realms of two dimensions and the circus, presents a visual “world” that bears bruises and tears yet remains humorous and dreamlike. “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,” Mijin Chun explains. She describes her small-scale works as “Tiny Treasure,” finding that 6” x 6” is the perfect scale for these intimate pieces. With admiration for the Rococo and Baroque styles and a deep fondness for the enchanting realm of Korean costume, Mijin Chun is naturally drawn to the opulent details of vintage eras, delicate textiles, sophisticated embroidery, and elaborately adorned hairstyles. These subjects are among her favorites to explore. Mijin Chun’s fascination with the vintage stems from her appreciation of the beauty created through hours of both endurance and delight. She imagines the creators’ personal stories woven into every stitch and brushstroke. With great delight in sharing her art with you, Mijin Chun hopes, “[her] art will endure and inspire you just as profoundly.”

See the “Poetic Circus” exhibition at the gallery, Tuesday through Sunday, 12 PM to 8 PM, throughout September.

An opening reception will be held Saturday, September 05 at 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Artist receptions at the gallery are always free to attend.