Help Jun Yang Keep Making Art in San Francisco

Help us raise $10,000 for Jun by the end of the year!

A message from Jun Yang:

Hello my dear communities and supporters,

Over the past few years, I’ve experienced incredible moments of success in my art career showing my work in galleries and museums, connecting with different communities, and receiving recognition for projects that mean so much to me. Some highlights include having my work exhibited at the Bakersfield Museum of Art, MarinMOCA, being nominated for SFMOMA’s SECA Art Award, and participating in exhibitions that elevate underrepresented voices.

(Jun exhibiting at the Bakersfield Museum of Art, June 2024)

However, behind these milestones, the reality of being a full time working artist in San Francisco is challenging.

With rising rent and the high cost of living, day-to-day expenses are overwhelming, leaving little room for creative expenses. Materials for large-scale work of painting, framing, and transportation are costly, and I recently shipped several large pieces to be included in two exhibitions in New York. While I was thrilled to be selected as an artist, I couldn’t afford to attend these shows to meet the curators and collectors who might help grow my career.

Simultaneously, I have seen a sharp decline in arts sales because I choose to center AAPI, Black, Brown and queer bodies in my work. My prior work centering abstract patterns, animal portraits and florals helped me to grow a large social media following resulting in regular art sales. However, as I began to explore my own queer identity and the beauty and intimacy of queer relationships, I began to experience homophobia, racism and censorship on social media platforms.

The financial stress has impacted my ability to focus on creating my best work. My internal state is deeply reflected in my art, and it’s hard to paint when I’m constantly worried about making ends meet.

I’m turning to GoFundMe to ask for your support in helping me continue creating work that matters. Your contribution will allow me to cover living expenses, invest in materials, and reduce the stress that has made it difficult to focus on my craft. It will also help me attend fellowships, residencies, exhibitions and opportunities that are crucial to my career growth.

Art has always been my way of healing, daily ritual and connecting with others. With your help, I can continue to share stories that inspire and uplift while navigating the challenges of being a full time artist. Thank you for believing in me and supporting this journey.

How Your Support Will Be Used

Your contributions will directly support my ability to continue creating and sharing meaningful art while sustaining myself during this critical time. Here’s how the funds will be used:

Zona Maco (Feb 5-9) To grow relationships with Mexican and international curators and collectors at this Mexican and international contemporary art festival

Apapapcho PROArtes Mexico Residency (April 7–23) To attend a 2.5 week residencywhere I will create new work where I’ll create new work inspired by Mexico City’s vibrant culture.

Funds will cover half of my residency housing costs, creative materials, travel, and daily expenses during these trips.

Your support will provide the stability I need to focus on creating my best work, attending career-changing opportunities, and continuing to share art that connects and inspires. Thank you for helping me keep my creative journey alive!

Jun Yang’s Bio

Born and raised in Seoul, Korea, Jun lived in Ireland, Belgium and France before settling in San Francisco. Jun is a self-taught artist, his paintings, murals, and textile sculptures draw inspiration from his childhood traumas, healing journey, experiences of grief, the Queer immigrant experience, and cultural shock. For the past several years, Jun has focused on the creation of POC Queer bodies through painting, sewing fabric sculptures and sculpting figures out of clay to reflect on marks and evidence of survival, growth, and nourishment. His fabric sculptures allow people to interact and wrap them around their body, activating a sense of safety, connection, love and protection. The sculptures’ unusually long arms express the struggle of feeling out of place and the strength found in community bonding. They are designed to be hung on walls and displayed on podiums, allowing viewers to intertwine with the work and resonate with the struggles that Jun wants to convey. Jun combines his art with activism, reflecting his personal journey as a Queer immigrant and advocating for LGBTQ+ and immigrant rights by celebrating inclusivity and solidarity he has found in San Francisco while exposing ongoing struggles.

Yang is the 2024 SECA nominee by SFMOMA, recipient of SFAC Visual Art Grant and selected artist at Public Works artist in residence. His first museum solo exhibition is on view at Bakersfield Museum of Art. His works have been displayed at Senator Scott Wiener’s Office, and Consulate General of The Republic of Korea. As well as exhibitions at De Young, Kunsthaus Graz, MOCA Taipei, and Kuandu Biennale. His work has been recognized by KQED Arts, Gay Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, and more.