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Artist: Thomas Kong
Designer: Shuhei Nagao
Publisher: Curtain
Size: 226 x 280 mm
Pages: 64pp
Binding: Paperback, saddle stitch
Printed in: Japan
Year: 2023

Thomas Kong [1950 – 2023] began making small collages after turning 60 to decorate the interior of KIM'S CORNER FOOD, a small convenience store he runs in the suburbs of Chicago. Using empty candy boxes, cigarette boxes, wrapping paper, newspaper and magazine clippings, and scraps of cardboard, his works eventually filled the entire store, turning the store itself into a work of art and him into an artist.

There is a modern street feel to the piece, but with the addition of small fallen leaves, it has a playful and fresh sense of balance. Along with the catchphrase "Be Happy," the piece conveys a pure and positive message.

This book is the second edition of the collection of works released in conjunction with the exhibition of the same name held in Utrecht in January 2019, and was published in conjunction with the archive exhibition Thomas Kong "ART FOR SALE" presented at TOKYO ART BOOK FAIR 2023. In addition to approximately 40 works, mainly from the exhibit, it also includes photographs of the interior of KIM'S CORNER FOOD, and the larger format allows for even more enjoyment of the works. The cover features the blue of the KIM'S CORNER FOOD sign and logo, with a cheap yet luxurious foil stamping design.