{"id":269,"date":"2025-06-16T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-06-16T03:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.boundless-art.com\/?p=269"},"modified":"2025-06-16T12:11:23","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T03:11:23","slug":"john-kafka-exploring-the-unexpected-cultural-roots-and-the-allure-of-illustrations-part-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/en.boundless-art.com\/?p=269","title":{"rendered":"John Kafka: Exploring the Unexpected Cultural Roots and the Allure of Illustrations \u2013 Part 2"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

With a rich sense of color, distinctive compositions and delicate touch, Korean illustrator and designer John Kafka weaves a singular, otherworldly aesthetic – one that continually redefines the beauty of contemporary illustration. Since first gaining widespread attention through posts on social media, John has seen a growing presence in Japan as well, with solo exhibitions and notable projects which includes the music video for one of Ado\u2019s cover songs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taking “Jhon”, a common English first name and “Kafka,” a direct homage to the German literary icon Franz Kafka as his artist name, his artistic identity and image still remain pretty mysterious – in this interview (Part 2), we continue to delve into his path to becoming who he is today, explore the roots of his creative vision and uncover his aspirations for the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Staying true to my work not to let down the people who connect with it\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

B – Where do you usually create your work? And, is there anything you try to keep in mind while in your creation process?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

John Kafka –<\/strong> I usually work from home using my iPad, but I\u2019m pretty flexible with where I work. Sometimes I\u2019d be at a cafe, or even at my friends\u2019 places when I\u2019m hanging out with them. So yeah, I don\u2019t really stick to one specific place. I typically create about 3 to 4 pieces a week, and when I\u2019m really productive, I\u2019ve done up to 7 in a week. I think I tend to create and share a lot because I want to keep connected with my fans. Consistency is really important to me – just steadily creating regularly. Also, I feel like I can do better work when I have music playing, especially classical.<\/p>\n\n\n

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A glimpse into typical creative process\u00a0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

B – How do you spend your days-off?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

John Kafka –<\/strong> Since I like books and films (reference in Part 1), I often get inspiration while taking walks, stopping by bookstores and movie theaters. I also try to make time off to meet and talk with people. I\u2019ve gotten to know more fellow artists who do similar work as me, and through talking with them, I\u2019ve been able to learn more about habits and perspectives I wasn\u2019t aware of before – they really have things I really admire and try to take in.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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\u00a0A snap at favorite restaurant, Sushi Ki<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

B – You seem to approach your work with a lot of discipline and dedication. What keeps you going?
<\/strong>
John Kafka –<\/strong> It\u2019s definitely the people and audience who engage with my work. In the past, I was often driven by a need for validation – but I think I\u2019ve moved away from that mindset quite a bit. Now, it\u2019s more about drawing what I truly love and finding joy in having others connect with it. I just don\u2019t want to disappoint the people who genuinely like my art.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

B – Is there a particular world or vibe you aim to create in your work?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

John Kafka –<\/strong> I enjoy working in series based on a single concept. Right now, I\u2019m developing a body of work centered around religious themes. I\u2019m also becoming more focused on how to express and explain what makes my work unique – my speciality. Also, I once created a series of illustrations based on my daily emotions, which I think of as a visual diary. I thought it would be interesting to look back on those pieces years from now, as a way to reflect on the past through my own creation.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

B – Is there anything you try to keep in mind during your creative process, to achieve what you\u2019ve mentioned?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

John Kafka –<\/strong> I try to stay mindful of not letting the influence of artists I like or admire affect my work too much. I definitely get inspired by things like music videos and other media, but I always make an effort to express things in my way, in a way that feels true to me.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John Kafka\u2019s vision for the future<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

B – Tell us about new challenges you\u2019d like to take on this year or in the coming years. I\u2019d also like to hear your visions for the collaboration with GAAAT.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

John Kafka –<\/strong> I\u2019ll definitely keep creating illustrations, but I\u2019d also like to try writing short stories. I\u2019m interested in balancing both visual and written expression – being both an illustrator and a writer. I have an exhibition with GAAAT at The Square Hotel Ginza called DECO, running through March 31. It\u2019s a wide-raging showcase that includes not just artwork, but also collaborations on clothing and accessories. We\u2019ve even created original costumes for the exhibition. In the coming years, I\u2019d challenge myself to expand these kinds of conceptual projects beyond just illustration – adding more layers and points of interest. The goal is to bring the entire exhibition space to life as a world shaped by the concept behind the artwork.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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DECO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

B – What\u2019s your dream as an artist?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

John Kafka –<\/strong> Yeah, I\u2019d say a lot of the dreams I had when I was younger have already come true. But in the end, what I really want is for more people to see my art and the messages behind them. My hope is that my dream can become someone else\u2019s dream – that I can become someone who inspires others.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

B – Thank you. Lastly, are there any projects you\u2019re currently working on or would like to share with readers?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

John Kafka –<\/strong> I have a pop-up store opening in Korea (which will come to Japan as well). I also have exhibitions running and have recently released an art book in Japan, so I\u2019d be really happy if you checked those out. The reason I keep creating is because there are people out there who see and support my work – just knowing that you are looking at what I create is enough to make me happy. We\u2019ve talked about a lot today, but as someone who expresses through art, I also believe it\u2019s my job to speak through my work and share my messages. I\u2019ll keep doing my best and I truly appreciate your continued support. Thank you so much for having me today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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