RM Gallery

The goal of this project is to create a unique and engaging Instagram filter that targets fans of BTS’s RM, showcasing art to individuals who might not have experienced or appreciated art before. BTS is a globally successful Korean pop group who promote a message of self-love and anti-violence. RM is known for his multifaceted interests, including his passion for art and frequent visits to art museums. Building on the fandom’s fascination with him, this project seeks to create a fun innovative way to connect BTS fans (Army) with the world of art. The filter will serve as an educational and entertaining tool, inspiring curiosity and interest in art among a broad audience.

RM has been a cultural ambassador of sorts, introducing art to many people through his Instagram posts and offline activities, but now that he is going into the military, many will miss that art content. This filter is not meant to replace that void, but give fans a fun way to share the art that they see with other Army members, using his silhouette as inspiration. These are not photoshopped cutouts, but hand drawn illustrations, and are meant to look like drawings to avoid misrepresentation. We hope that many people will continue the practice of “Namjooning” and share diverse art from around the world. 

Instagram filter link: https://www.instagram.com/ar/967538241148609/

Concept and PM: DY Wohn
Early conceptualization: Michael Joel De Leon, Hongyang Zhou
Technical development and user testing: Michael Joel de Leon

9/10-18/2022, 11am-7pm

De Flore (Hannam-dong 683-61, Yongsan-gu, Seoul)

Artist talk, 9/11, 9/14, 9/18, 1pm (Korean), 3pm (English)

Instagram Live 9/12 11am, @artistkiru

This exhibition portrays BTS leader Kim Nam-joon in different scenarios, showcasing his interests and talents. Divided into three sections-- nature, art, and stage-- visitors will be able to see the portraits of Kim and also engage in artistic activities and art book reading as an act "Namjooning"-- a term coined to refer to visiting museums or nature. As this exhibit is meant to celebrate Kim's birthday, there will also be commemorative photo zones and limited souvenirs for self-identifying BTS ARMY. [read full description here...]

아티스트 김남준(RM)의 다양한 관심사와 모습을 볼 수 있는 이번 전시는 자연, 미술, 무대의 테마로 나눠져 있다. "남준, 하다"는 미술관이나 자연속으로 여행하는 것을 의미하듯, 방문자는 걸려 있는 초상화의 감상 뿐만 아니라 직접 예술 프로젝트와 아트북 독서 활동에 참여할 수 있다. 생일 기념 전시인만큼 BTS 아미를 위한 기념포토존과 한정수량 기념품이 준비되어 있다. [전체글 읽기...]

9/10/2021 - 12/31/2022

To celebrate the birthday of BTS leader Kim Nam-joon (RM), portraits of RM from artists around the world were curated in a 3D virtual gallery. Artists were hand-selected based on their style and country to represent diversity and they gave permission for their art to be featured.

In addition to the portrait galleries, you can also videochat with other Army in our social rooms, watch RM music videos in the theater, and take selfies with an art wall.

This is a non-profit endeavour so please be respectful of the art and do not redistribute without proper attribution. The experience works best with Chrome or Firefox browsers on a desktop or laptop computer (images may not show up properly on a phone or tablet). The site will ask you to grant permission to use a camera and mic- this is because there are rooms that allow you to video chat with other fans- but you do not have to use this feature. We do not collect any user data.

Read Dr. Wohn's essay on designing the virtual gallery: <click here>.