RM of BTS Debuts His Profoundly Personal, Refreshingly Honest First Art Exhibition at SFMOMA

K-pop idol RM of BTS is set to make a significant impact on the art world with his inaugural exhibition, “Between You and Me,” opening on 3 October at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA). This groundbreaking showcase features 142 pieces from RM’s personal art collection, displayed alongside 36 masterpieces from the museum’s own collection. The exhibition is poised to bridge various cultures, mediums, and artistic periods, appealing to art enthusiasts and fans alike.

On 29 September, RM formally introduced his exhibition during a press preview. Despite his extensive experience performing in front of packed arenas, the occasion stirred a sense of nervousness in the artist. “This is my debut as a co-curator and I’m nervous,” RM admitted. “I think I revised this speech about 10 times.” His humility came across as he welcomed a select group of journalists to experience the exhibition, offering insights into the nuances of his journey as a collector and curator.

Reflecting on his motivations, RM noted, “Over the past few years, I’ve seen a lot of other people’s collections, and I came to think that there aren’t many things that show a person more honestly than a collection they’ve built over a long period of time.” He views the exhibition as a profound introduction to his own identity, saying it encapsulates an essence of himself while simultaneously feeling somewhat embarrassing to share.

Despite grappling with self-doubt about his curatorial skills, RM expressed a genuine excitement about the exhibition he and his co-curators, América Castillo and Hyoeun Kim, have developed over the last two years. The thoughtfully crafted narrative aims to create dialogues between personal and universal themes, merging Eastern and Western artistic expressions. Korean artists, some of whom may be less recognised outside their home country, are placed alongside well-known Western icons like Mark Rothko and Donald Judd.

The journey towards curating this exhibition began during RM’s mandatory military service, when he first received Castillo’s proposal. “I loved it,” he recalled, joking about how any invitation from San Francisco would have pleased him. Despite the challenging circumstances, he committed himself to the project, meticulously crafting narratives for each artwork and writing detailed labels. The audio guide accompanying the exhibition is particularly notable for its warm and approachable tone, where RM introduces himself casually as “Namjoon,” adding a personal touch to the visitor experience.

The layout of the exhibition is divided into eight distinct themes: Blue Water, Friendscape, Home, Photo Buddha, People, Passion, I Don’t Know Why But I Like It, and Umber. Each space is linked through visual motifs and artistic practices, while also embodying elements that reflect RM’s personal life and emotional depth.

One focal point of the exhibition, “Home,” aims to transport visitors into what RM envisions as his living room in Seoul, complete with furniture that creates an intimate atmosphere. In “Friendscape,” a landscape painting that RM usually hangs in his private space will be showcased, further emphasising the personal nature of the collection. Additionally, “People” includes a piece RM ‘borrowed’ from his parents’ home, a light-hearted nod to the exhibition’s familial connections.

A consistant theme throughout the exhibition is the influence of the late Korean artist Yun Hyong-keun, whose works resonate deeply with RM and are featured prominently. The exhibition culminates in a contemplative space dedicated to Yun’s artistry, offering visitors a meditative retreat amidst the vibrant display.

In his concluding remarks on the opening day, RM expressed his aspiration for the exhibition to resonate with audiences. “I tried to bring together everything I had liked and everything I wished could have been better. I just tried to make this exhibition as interesting and as new as I possibly could. I hope you can feel it,” he said.

With “Between You and Me” opening on 3 October 2026, tickets are now available for purchase, allowing fans and art aficionados to experience RM’s curated vision first-hand. This exhibition not only highlights his personal journey through art but also exemplifies the synergy between music and visual culture.