Donghyeon Kim (Raon)

About

Donghyeon Kim (b. 1994, South Korea) identifies as both a Christian and a gay man, a dual identity that confronts him with issues of shame and taboo on a daily basis. This internal conflict—rooted in religious teachings and the lived realities of being a gay man—forms the core difficulty driving his work. By bringing these often-hidden “shadows” of identity to light, Kim aims to challenge societal assumptions and spark conversation around real life and sexuality.

He studied menswear fashion design at De Montfort University and has expanded his practice into fashion installation at Royal College of Art Graduate Diploma, using leather—a traditional material—alongside other tactile modern elements to explore physical space and environment. Leather evokes gay fetish community and vulnerability, In constructing these installations, he creates an immersive environment where viewers can confront the often-hidden aspects of everyday life—such as taboo, desire and shame—within a space that remains in the shadows.

Drawing inspiration from his everyday experiences as a gay man, Kim infuses personal narratives into his work, shedding light on the complexities of identity that many still view as taboo. By using installation as a medium, he aims to transform intangible conflicts into a tangible, communal encounter, prompting audiences to rethink long-standing prejudices. Ultimately, Kim’s process underscores his belief that both Christianity and queer identity can—and should—coexist, without the burden of guilt or secrecy.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raonbeat