Rhizome DC is proud to announce the opening of Tom Kim’s REVENGE OF THE FUN on Friday November 4th. The exhibit will be open during all Rhizome events, as well as by appointment, through December 2.

Contact: [email protected]

    202.468.7842

Tom Kim a.k.a. “Death by Narwhals” completed his bachelor’s degree in studio art in New Hampshire with a focus in oil painting.  His career began working briefly in a variety of low level commercial art and animation gigs in NYC before returning to DC in 2008.  His work has since shown across DC with his last solo exhibition at Lost Origins gallery at the end of 2019.

Much of my work draws from my experiences growing up as a Korean American latchkey kid.  I was born in DC — the first of my family born in America.  I was raised by my mother, sister, and some form of television.  Together, we moved across the country living in North Dakota, California, Texas, and New York.  With each move, I struggled to adapt and assimilate.  The cartoons, comics, and films I had access to as a child provided me with both an escape and a cultural framework for understanding my constantly changing world.  My comprehension of the human experience came from two realities — one behind the screen, and the other in front of my eyes.  Both were beautiful, funny, and cruel.  The drawings and paintings in this exhibition attempt to bring the viewer back to those very real fictional spaces where stories unfurled to shape our beliefs and morals — where viewers can get lost in a myth, sensation, or memory while feeling both connected and alone.

The opening reception will take place on Friday November 4th from 7-10pm and will feature performances by DJ Killr Flowr and Peyman Allahvirdizadeh. 

Throughout the month-long run of the show, over 20 curated local musicians, dancers and writers will perform in parallel to the visual art exhibition, as an accompanying “Circus of Sounds.” In sharing their own music, dance and words, they will provide a sort of soundtrack to the show.

On Thursday November 17, seysew, Tammy, and Rosie Cima & What She Dreamed will perform at 7pm.

On Saturday November 19, we will have Courtney Sexton, Isabelle, Pallet King, Ebony & Special Guests, California Accent, Laurel, and Robert Frost Fetish performing throughout the day from 12-6pm.

Our last show during the exhibition will take place on Saturday November 26, with music by Art Fungus, Kelly Servick, and The North Country.

The closing reception will take place on Friday December 2nd from 7-10 pm and will feature an accompanying performance by Duck Myers.

You can find details about all events at rhizomedc.org