Exeter Contemporary Open in review: Kenji Lim

My name is Kenji Lim, and I’m an artist based in Essex and London. I am interested in looking at the world through other-than-human eyes, and the strangeness of the world around us culturally, environmentally, and philosophically. My work reflects our gaze back upon ourselves in a refracted way, using anthropomorphism, cuteness, and repulsion to think about ecology and society, in betweenness and othering.

Can you describe what you exhibited with us when you were in the Open?

In the 2025 Open, I exhibited three works. Cherbub is a piece which takes the form of a furry caterpillar- or grub-like creature that hangs from the ceiling from a glittering thread of its own poo. It has an anthropomorphised cat-like face with huge, appealing eyes and almost neon horns. Cautiously Optimistic is a smaller creature inspired by lugworms and leafhopper nymphs whose head is withdrawn into its U-shaped glass burrow, while a plume rises from its back end. Overthinking is Bliss is a wall-based sculpture made of upholstered felt infused with resin. It has a face that is at once old and young, human and other, asleep or not yet born, that seems somehow trapped within its surface. It makes me think of my mixed cultural ancestry, and a state of deep sadness and tiredness.

What are your memories from being in the exhibition?

The welcome we received from Matt and the whole team at the Phoenix was absolutely incredible. I was so, so excited to be selected, and we were made to feel really special and part of something brilliant. The team took such great care of our work, and I really appreciated the consideration given to us as artists. It was a fabulous atmosphere and a wonderful experience.

How have things changed for you since you exhibited with us?

I only took part a year ago, but since then I have exhibited in several group shows in London and Hastings, and I am just about to open a solo show in Vienna with Galerie Reinthaler. I will also be taking part in a group show at Turf Projects in Croydon opening at the very end of October.

What does Exeter Contemporary Open mean to you?

Exeter Contemporary Open is a fantastic exhibition that brings artists based around the country to the South West and has helped to reveal the local art community to me. The legacy of the incredible artists that have been selected over the years, and what they have gone on to achieve, speaks for itself in terms of the quality of work on show, and it was an honour to take part. The experience of attending the opening, meeting the other artists, the selectors, and the team at Exeter Phoenix was something I cherish.