K-pop Star RM’s Art Exhibition Draws Crowds at SFMOMA

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is preparing for a surge in visitors due to a unique exhibition. The museum’s director of retail, Shane Salvata, reported an unprecedented inventory for this exhibit, driven by the influence of K-pop sensation BTS, specifically its leader RM.

RM is showcasing art from his personal collection publicly for the first time at SFMOMA. The museum, filled with eager fans, also offers an array of souvenirs. On the bustling first day of previews for the exhibition RM x SFMOMA: Between You and Me, Bay Area residents Joi Karra and Bre Walker attended. The two met at a local BTS-themed event organized by Walker.

Karra, a college student who creates BTS-inspired accessories, expressed her enthusiasm for art and has visited SFMOMA before. Conversely, Walker confessed it’s her first visit to an art museum, crediting RM, also known as Kim Nam-joon, for this new experience.

The band’s global fanbase, ARMY, uses the term “Namjooning” to describe exploring activities RM loves, like visiting museums and collecting art. RM’s passion began nearly a decade ago, influencing his music, such as songs inspired by artists like Yun Hyong-keun and European still-life paintings.

RM, 32, collaborated with SFMOMA curators to present this exhibition. The collection features Korean artists’ works, including Yun, Kim Whanki, and Chang Ucchin, supplemented by items from SFMOMA like a Mark Rothko painting. During a press briefing, RM emphasized the exhibition’s importance in resonating with today’s audiences, ensuring the art still conveys meaningful messages.

Fans like Walker and Karra view the exhibition as a chance to understand RM’s perspectives. Karra mentioned wanting to know the significance behind RM’s selections. Both attendees tried to interpret abstract paintings focused on the color umber, illustrating RM’s nature connection.

The exhibition’s section “Friendscape” captivated them with carved waterfowl sculptures, leading to theories about BTS’s seven members symbolized as snow ducks RM often creates during winter.

A challenging artwork was Wonwoo Lee’s rock engraved with “candy,” leaving the fans puzzled, fitting its section’s title: “I don’t know … but I like it.” Amid the vast collection of over 170 works, fans often pause to connect with others and share BTS-inspired creations.

Sara Larios, another visitor from Zambia, shared handmade bookmarks with Karra and Walker, describing how RM inspired her to host an art walk in her hometown. Karra values these handcrafted tokens as expressions of admiration for art. Walker’s first museum visit has encouraged her to explore more, realizing art resonates beyond expert knowledge.