Q. Please introduce yourself.

Hello, I'm Berry Kim. I came from a pink-pink planet called Berryland on a pink cat-shaped spaceship. I'm a pop artist who visualizes the worldview of that imaginary place through my work. Through my art, I explore my own sense of value and happiness in a society that often demands conformity.

Q. What inspired you to create the unique world of 'Berryland,' and what does it mean to you?

I've always seen the world a little differently and often felt out of place, unsure how to express myself in a society that values sameness. Drawing became my way to create a space where I could be fully myself, and that slowly evolved into my own imaginative world. While studying in London, I came across a neighborhood named “Berrylands”—which, by chance, matched my name. That moment felt like fate. Everything clicked, and I realized this world I had been building in my mind now had a name. From then on, Berryland became not just a concept, but a part of who I am.

Q. What does it mean to live as the princess of Berryland here on Earth?

To me, being the “princess of Berryland” means staying true to my identity and sense of humor, even when I feel lonely or misunderstood. A princess, in my view, carries grace and dignity—and when I see myself that way, my imaginary friends in Berryland also take on unique personalities, coexisting in their own order. Living as Berryland's princess on Earth means holding on to my worldview despite society's expectations. I also hope more people will feel empowered to embrace their own worlds, just like I did.

Q. Where do you usually find inspiration?

I get inspiration from everything around me—people, places, sounds, even smells and textures. I quietly observe rather than stare, and even brief moments leave strong impressions. Objects feel alive to me, with expressions and emotions. Those feelings turn into characters, then spaces—and eventually, into the world of my work.

Q. Your layered wood panel technique creates a strong sense of dimension. Why do you choose to work this way, and what makes it special?

My work involves not just characters, but their relationships, objects, backgrounds, and space. So a flat surface often feels limiting—dimensional forms express my ideas more clearly. As I mentioned, I sense emotion and personality in objects. Giving them physical depth makes them feel more alive, as if they truly exist beyond the canvas.

Q. Which of your works do you feel most attached to?

They're all special to me, but if I had to choose one, it would be FAKE LIFE, a series I began while in London. It satirizes Korea's obsession with materialism and appearance, using a building in Gangnam as a symbol. I observed the people and scenes there, and reinterpreted them through my lens. More than anything, this work helped me release a deep frustration I had carried for a long time. It was the beginning of my healing—and the foundation for who I am as an artist today.

Q. Could you tell us about your collaboration with SEVEN EIGHT UNDER on ⟪Open Run : Beckie Mouse is running⟫?

This piece draws attention to the strange reality of modern consumer culture—where people chase after rare and expensive items as symbols of status, even in times of economic struggle. I reinterpreted the image of Mickey Mouse using SEVEN EIGHT UNDER's sneakers, creating a new persona called Beckie Mouse. With four feet racing forward, she represents the restless desire to own, to stand out, and to run faster than others. The work uses parody and pop art to reflect the illusion that something like a sneaker can instantly make you go farther, higher, and faster. SEVEN EIGHT UNDER's bold and energetic design matched perfectly with this concept, helping turn it into a playful yet critical reflection on today's consumer fantasies.

Q. What led you to focus on the illusions of social media and the obsession with artificial beauty in today's consumer culture?

I’ve always been frustrated seeing people chase narrow standards of success—how to look, speak, or live—while losing sight of their own worth. I grew up hearing things like, “You need to look this way to be pretty,” and didn’t question it, even though it made me quietly unhappy. Holding onto my quirks and shaping them through art helped me realize that true happiness comes from embracing what makes me me. Social media has only intensified those unrealistic ideals, but I hope my work encourages people to reclaim their own version of beauty and value.

Q. Beckie Mouse' is clearly a playful nod to Mickey Mouse, yet she feels like a completely new persona. What does this character represent to you?

Beckie Mouse is my reimagined version of Mickey Mouse, brought to life through the lens of Berryland. Her name combines “Berry Kim” and “Mickey Mouse,” and she was created as a pop-art reinterpretation of an icon everyone knows. Mickey is often seen as a fixed persona, mass-produced on T-shirts and products—but I imagined what he might be like if he had his own hidden identity. In my world, Beckie Mouse is soft-hearted, pure, and sees the world through heart-shaped eyes. She's not just cute—she's also stylish and full of character.

Q. Humor and satire seem to be central elements in your work. Why are they so important to you?

Before becoming an artist, I lived in a way that wasn't really me—pretending to be what others expected. At the time, I didn't even realize I was unhappy. What helped me survive was my own imaginary world, and at the core of that world were humor and satire. Without them, I don't think I could have made it through. Even now, life isn't always easy. As I get older, responsibilities grow heavier. If I get too caught up in reality, I feel like I might lose myself again. That's why I use humor and satire—to stay grounded and keep going. And when those feelings come out in my work and people resonate with them or smile, it's the most rewarding feeling. That playful, critical voice will always be a core part of how I express myself.

Q. As an artist, what is your ultimate goal or a dream project you'd love to pursue?

My ultimate goal is to live a life where my art and identity are one—like Kusama, Basquiat, or Warhol—expressing my world until the day I die. (Ideally while earning enough to live on, too.^^) I want to work across painting, sculpture, media art, and installation—without limits—and one day, be invited to create a massive project in New York. Oh! I've also always admired that bold move Kusama made in her youth—showing her mirrored spheres at the Venice Biennale without permission. I'd love to try something like that one day. That kind of fearless spirit… it feels like the true soul of an artist. :)

Q. Lastly, is there one message you'd like to share with us Earthlings, as the princess of Berryland?

You are already lovable and full of worth—just as you are.
And please, don't be discouraged just because you can't afford a house!