299 Dave Young Kim — Asian Mythology, Immigrant Narratives, and Curating Contemporary Art in Los Angeles

In this episode, Dave Young Kim, a Los Angeles–based muralist and curator, discusses his recent exhibition at the USC Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena. Developed around the theme of Asian mythical creatures, the project reframes historical material through the structure of the immigrant experience, pairing objects from the museum’s collection with contemporary artworks and newly commissioned pieces. Kim reflects on the research process behind the exhibition, including the cultural specificity of pan-Asian mythologies and their evolution across regions. The conversation also addresses Korean American identity, family migration histories, and the challenges of curating within institutional frameworks, alongside the practical considerations of maintaining a sustainable art practice beyond traditional gallery systems.