KIm Okura Studio for Joy for Dina (The Red Balloon Artwork)

Art, Reality, and the Construct of Time

Art, Reality, and the Construct of Time

Introducing J.D.

Nine people gather for a celebration in a private and intimate setting. Guests were asked to bring a balloon each. This event, also known as “Ms. Dina’s Birthday,” simultaneously serves as the debut exhibition of a certain J.D.

Kim Okura Event Einladung Introducing JD Private Event Ausstellung
Introducing J.D – Private Event, Ausstellung, Kim Okura, Event Einladung 2023

J.D. stands for “Joy for Dina” and is an eerie red balloon depicted in a painting created by the artist Kim Okura. J.D., the balloon whose head resembles that of a mummy, floats and rotates above a city. The balloon’s string leads to a half-opened door painted in the lower right corner of the picture. It’s a clear night, with an eerie atmosphere hanging in the air. The subtle face of the balloon invites shivers. The birthday celebrant is thrilled, as they have a fondness for horror movies. Okura pondered in her artistic practice how to make a red balloon even more sinister and create a subtle visual reference to the classic film “It.” The painting has been enthusiastically received. There’s joy all around. Drinks are poured, laughter fills the air, there’s dancing, and typical Viennese grumbling. These memories will be etched into history.

Artwork J.D. - Joy for Dina - An eerie red balloon resembling a mummy's head, floating above a city, the string of the balloon leads to a half-open door painted in the lower right corner of the picture, clear night, eerie atmosphere - Kim Okura, Vienna, November 2023, Gift for Dina J.
Artwork J.D. – Joy for Dina – An eerie red balloon resembling a mummy’s head, floating above a city, the string of the balloon leads to a half-open door painted in the lower right corner of the picture, clear night, eerie atmosphere – Kim Okura 2023

Now it gets intriguing. From a meta perspective, three portals are being created here: the draft in the studio, the painting itself, and the event. The draft of J.D. still hangs in Okura’s studio foyer. It is uncertain where it will journey next, and whether it will survive time and space remains uncertain. The same goes for J.D. If the past is the prologue and everything is interconnected, a place in the art heavens is likely reserved for it. However, what’s certain is the joy of the new owner in possession of this eerie balloon-faced artwork.

The interplay of art, reality, and time becomes evident in this occurrence. The artworks created in a studio evolve into paintings showcased in exhibitions, eventually becoming memories etched into history. The impact of an artwork can transcend time and traverse various portals. Viewing it from a meta perspective opens new perspectives and raises questions about the significance of art, reality, and the construct of time.

Overall, this occurrence illustrates how artworks and events are intertwined and how they can influence our perception of reality and time. It’s fascinating to observe how a simple balloon transforms into a work of art and brings people together to celebrate and create memories. Art is not only an expression of creativity and beauty but also a medium that expands our perception and prompts us to contemplate the construct of time.

KIm Okura Studio for Joy for Dina (The Red Balloon Artwork)
Kim Okura, study drawing for “Joy for Dina” (The Red Balloon Artwork) Okuraee, balloon and door, oil base pen on paper 2023

Article: KOKCHAT from “The future ist now – How to coexist with a new species”