Alumni Spotlight:

Josephine Kim

Josephine Kim (RAP 2023) is a multidisciplinary artist who is constantly experimenting with merging her creative writing and art through explorations of various mediums and themes of home, memory, and nature.

Josephine is attending Carnegie Mellon University in the BXA program pursuing a Bachelors in Humanities and Arts in Creative Writing and Visual Art.

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Rome Art Program: How did your time with RAP influence your work?

Josephine: The Rome Art Program helped me find it much easier to make the first mark and not overthink anything. The program constantly pushed me outside of my comfort zone; I had to work in loud and crowded spaces, paint/draw ever-evolving subjects, and use watercolor—a medium I had almost no experience with, but one that I now often reach for.

RAP: What was your favorite place in Rome and why?

Josephine: The Forum is definitely the place that holds the most fond memories for me. It was the first place we painted, and the last night painting we did. Painting the landscape as the evening faded into the sunset alongside the amazing friends and artists I met through the program was truly something special.

RAP: What are you working on now? What are your hopes for the future?

Josephine: I am always looking for new ways to merge my writing practice with my artistic practice. In addition, I am currently exploring different mediums such as printmaking, textile, woodworking, and 3D modeling. In terms of my academic journey, I am also hoping to get a minor in Soft Technologies in IDeAte. I also hope to publish something in the future.

RAP: What has been your biggest art success since studying in Rome?

Josephine: I think my experience in Rome encouraged me to be more curious and assertive. I have always wanted to try new mediums, so being able to take classes and actually learn those new mediums has been exciting for me. Specifically, being able to experiment with dyeing fabrics and creating a sculpture from my dyed fabrics and poetry was a valuable project for me and I think I grew a lot as an artist.

RAP: What is your advice for future RAP students?

Josephine: Just start! The sooner you start to draw or paint, the more time you have to draw or paint. And also, always bring something to sit on to save yourself from dusty roads, hot concrete, or wet grass.

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