Collage by Thomas Kong, Kim's Corner Food
Dimensions: 42" x 5.2"
Materials: Mixed found materials
Thomas Kong
(Rogers Park)
Thomas Kong is a visual artist and the proprietor of Kim's Corner Food, a corner store in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago. Born in Korea in 1950, Kong's art-making practice began around age 60, in direct relationship with his religious beliefs and his life running a convenience store. While he stands in his shop selling soda and cigarettes, Kong continuously cuts and places his shapes. His intuitive practice uses product packaging, leaves, cardboard, and other found materials to create a visual language that is entirely his own. The shop is a collision between convenience and art, with every available surface covered with collages and works in progress. Kim's Corner Food is located at 1371 W. Estes and is open daily.