Kim Jung Gi: A Remarkable Talent

Meet Kim Jung Gi, arguably the finest illustrator to have ever existed. His extraordinary memory allows him to create detailed drawings of any subject, all without preliminary sketches. He captures images of people, animals, and various themes directly on paper using just a brush pen.

Despite having a background in fine arts, I can truly appreciate Kim’s exceptional skills. Since 2011, he has showcased his talent through videos, demonstrating his process on large canvases.

In his latest YouTube series, “Drawing Now,” Kim produces a cohesive artwork that reflects on history and humanity's relationship with nature. The speed and precision with which he works are astounding; in mere minutes, he can sketch complex characters filled with personality, all without the need for corrections or erasers.

Capitalism's Inability to Recognize True Talent

While Kim has a business and a YouTube presence, he remains relatively unknown compared to mainstream pop stars. Surprisingly, he doesn’t even have an English Wikipedia page, which raises questions about how a system like capitalism could overlook such talent.

If the marketplace were genuinely merit-based, Kim would be at the forefront of the art world. Although there may be a delay in recognizing talent, it is perplexing that someone with Kim’s unparalleled skills is not more widely celebrated.

The truth is that consumer preferences often prioritize factors unrelated to artistic merit. In the U.S., for instance, there is a clear preference for English-language content, and superficial traits such as youth and attractiveness often overshadow actual talent.

The Influence of Popular Culture

The rise of digital media has shifted the focus away from visual arts toward more transient forms of entertainment like social media and catchy pop songs. This shift diminishes the appreciation for high-quality art, including Kim's exceptional illustrations.

In essence, capitalism reflects the desires of consumers, which often do not align with artistic merit. If the public’s interests are swayed by irrational biases or superficial judgments, the economic outcomes will rarely favor genuine quality.

Who Defines Quality in Art?

A common question arises: who determines what constitutes the highest quality in art? Many argue that market demand reflects collective opinions, but this perspective overlooks the fact that consensus doesn’t always equate to merit.

If we examine Kim's work, it becomes clear that few, if any, can match his skill. The reality is that even among professional illustrators and animators, Kim stands out as a paragon of excellence. Yet, despite this recognition, he remains underappreciated in the marketplace.

The disconnect between public perception and actual merit illustrates a flaw in how capitalism functions. While we acknowledge Kim's greatness, we often fail to support him financially, favoring popular culture over true artistic value.

The Problem of Consumer Preferences

Capitalism often caters to base impulses rather than intellectual judgments. Those who prioritize high artistic standards are exceptions rather than the rule. This results in an art market that does not adequately reward exceptional talent.

Frequently, the marketplace favors what is easily consumed, such as catchy music or visually appealing pop culture icons. This creates a cycle where superficiality triumphs over substantive artistic achievement.

Democracy's Flaws in Meritocracy

Similarly, democracy is not inherently meritocratic. It can fall prey to demagoguery, as witnessed in historical examples like Hitler's rise to power. This highlights how societies can collectively make poor choices, leading to leadership that lacks merit.

As we reflect on our choices in both the marketplace and politics, it becomes apparent that we often prioritize trivial desires over higher ideals. Whether in art or governance, our tendency to gravitate toward the familiar and comfortable can obscure the true merit that exists.

Ultimately, the shortcomings of both capitalism and democracy reveal a broader truth: we have a responsibility to seek out and reward true merit, even when it challenges our conventional preferences.