Koh Sang-woo, a well-known Korean artist who works in different mediums such as photography, performance art, and painting, showcased his work at Art Busan 2023. His artwork is displayed at the Asian Art Works booth in Art Busan 2023, capturing the interest of art enthusiasts worldwide due to its distinctive portrayal of the human experience.

He explores themes such as desire, love, and social awareness, using intense colors and non-genre production processes. Born in Seoul, he moved to the United States at a young age and studied at the Art Institute of Chicago, double majoring in photography and performance.

 

▲ ART BUSAN 2023 AsianArtwors booth, Koh Sang woo's works, Photo by Sims green.

In 2008, Koh was recognized as one of the 100 Young Korean Artists by Art in Culture and was invited to showcase his work as a Korean artist at the 798 Beijing Biennale. His work has gained international acclaim in countries such as New York, Europe, and Asia, and he is considered a rising star in the world of contemporary art.

Koh's work is characterized by autobiographical elements and social phenomena such as gender, race, and culture. He uses his art to explore the boundaries between the individual and society, expressing emotions, conflicts, limitations, worries, and wishes. His self-portrait series features words such as BREATHE, CONNECT, LIMIT, SHATTER, DREAM, CHALLENGE, and INSPIRE, revealing his passion for creating works that speak to disparate others and promote understanding. 

▲ ART BUSAN 2023 AsianArtwors booth, Koh Sang woo's works, Photo by Sims green.

In an interview with the media, Koh spoke about his interest in minorities and his experience as a second-generation immigrant growing up in America. He believes that his experiences have informed his art and contributed to his success as an artist.

In his 2022 Savina Museum of Art Special Exhibition titled "Eternal Freedom-So Animals!", Koh explores the theme of human-centered thinking and its impact on other species. The exhibition's subtitle, "Therefore I am an animal," is taken from French philosopher Jacques Derrida's book "Autobiographical Animals," and speaks to Koh's commitment to promoting the coexistence of humans and the diverse species that make up our planet's biodiversity.

Koh Sang woo's art often features multi-layered structures and implicit views on social phenomena. His work has gained recognition for its powerful use of color and its ability to convey complex emotions and messages.

▲ ART BUSAN 2023 AsianArtwors booth, Koh Sang woo's works, Photo by Sims green.Koh's art has been sold at high prices at international auctions, reflecting his growing influence on the contemporary art world. He is a respected artist who is considered to be at the forefront of Korea's emerging art scene.

Overall, Koh Sang-woo is an artist whose work speaks to the complexities of the human experience and encourages viewers to reflect on their relationships with others and the world around them. His commitment to promoting a more harmonious relationship between humans and other species makes his art particularly relevant in today's world.

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Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com