About Us
Bit (빛) : to illuminate, to make shine, to glow
|
KJ Bit is an emerging mural arts collective and animators of public space. We are Jieun Kim (June) and Erika James (Nixo), the "Bit" representing the Korean word meaning "to illuminate, to make shine, to glow", which is what we aim to achieve with our street art murals and public space transformations.
We originally started working together in 2018 through a Toronto Arts Council Newcomer and Refugee Mentorship Program and had tremendous success with our first large-scale public space revitalization project, Laneway Light Up. As a collective, our mandate is to serve our community. We can do this because we coordinate large groups of artists for our community activations and we believe in a diverse range of murals on our streets. |
We are here to improve our neighbourhood through art” |
|
As individual artists, our skills complement our collective aspirations. Both Kim's and James' mural work are based on bringing colour and joy to our public spaces. James has a long-term practice as an award-winning community-engaged artist and has often worked with community in park settings. Our goals are to connect people together in fun, meaningful ways. By bringing art and public space programming to different neighbourhoods in Toronto, and getting people to make art and share together, we aspire to brighten and bring comfort to our city streets and parks.
|
|
Projects and Awards
2023 - KJ BIT Laneway Jam (Glow)
2022 - KJ BIT Laneway Jam (Inspire)
2021 - KJ BIT Laneway Jam (Love)
2021 - KJ BIT Laneway Jam (Fusion)
2021 - Western Beaches Container Project
2020 - Flock Together Mural
2019 - National Association of City Transportation Officials Walkshop
2019 - KJ BIT Laneway Jam (Light)
2018 -KJ BIT Laneway Jam (Laneway Light Up)
2018 -Newcomer and Refugee Artist Mentorship Grant, Toronto Arts Council
2022 - KJ BIT Laneway Jam (Inspire)
2021 - KJ BIT Laneway Jam (Love)
2021 - KJ BIT Laneway Jam (Fusion)
2021 - Western Beaches Container Project
2020 - Flock Together Mural
2019 - National Association of City Transportation Officials Walkshop
2019 - KJ BIT Laneway Jam (Light)
2018 -KJ BIT Laneway Jam (Laneway Light Up)
2018 -Newcomer and Refugee Artist Mentorship Grant, Toronto Arts Council
