Exploring Human Experiences with Multimedia Art
Initiated and organized by The Bridge Arts Foundation, the 'SOLILOQUY' Open Call Exhibition is currently being held at The Scholart Selection Gallery in San Gabriel, California, and will run until August 17th, 2024.
Bridge Arts Foundation's Art Director, Tia Xu, engaged in a conversation about the exhibition and art with several artists participating in this exhibition. In this interview, we have the pleasure of speaking with artist Hwichan Ko.
—— Q&A ——
Tia Xu: Could you please share your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in art?
Photo courtesy of artist.
Hwichan Ko: I’m Hwichan KO, a multimedia artist and designer based in Jersey City and New York City, having recently completed my Master of Fine Arts degree from SVA (School of Visual Arts). I’m excited to share a glimpse of my creative journey with you.
My inspiration to pursue a career in multimedia art and design stemmed from a deep fascination with the intersection of technology and creativity. Growing up, I was influenced by both traditional art forms and the emerging digital landscape, which led me to explore various mediums and techniques.
My experience at the School of Visual Arts profoundly influenced my artistic style and philosophy, providing me with a strong foundation in both theory and practice.
I had the privilege of working on diverse projects and learning from mentors who challenged me to push my boundaries and think critically about my work. When deciding which medium to use for a project, I consider the message I want to convey and the most effective way to engage my audience.
My creative process involves extensive research, conceptual development, and experimentation with different techniques to achieve the desired outcome. Recurring themes in my artwork include the relationship between human experiences and technology, as well as the exploration of myself as an alter ego.
Photo courtesy of artist.
Living and working in Jersey City and New York City, the vibrant and dynamic environments significantly influence my creations, offering endless inspiration and diverse perspectives. One of the highlights of my career so far was participating in a collaborative exhibition that focused on immersive multimedia installations.
I’m particularly proud of how my work resonated with the audience and sparked meaningful conversations. To stay current with new trends and technologies in multimedia art, I continuously seek out new learning opportunities, attend workshops, and collaborate with other artists.
Tia Xu: What does "SOLILOQUY" mean to you, and how does your artwork explore this theme? Can you tell us the story behind your artwork from the exhibition?
Hwichan Ko, Exit, 2024, Spray paint, Acrylic, Oil paint on Canvas, 60 x 60 in (152.40 x 152.40 cm). Photo courtesy of artist.
Hwichan Ko: To me, "SOLILOQUY" represents a deeply personal and introspective moment where one reflects on their inner thoughts and emotions. My artwork often tells stories through my alter ego, with each painting presenting a unique narrative through the character's actions and expressions. In this context, "SOLILOQUY" serves as a medium for these characters to express their internal dialogues. Specifically, the painting featured in the exhibition titled "SOLILOQUY" depicts a character lost in a chaotic maze, praying to God for guidance to find the correct path out. This scene symbolizes a conversation between the character and a higher power, illustrating how a monologue is often used to seek answers and clarity in moments of confusion.
Photo courtesy of artist.
Tia Xu: What materials and techniques do you prefer to use in your art, and could you explain your choices?
Hwichan Ko: I primarily use spray paint and acrylics in my art, influenced by my graffiti experience with the crew “TSM (The Style Machine)” during my undergraduate years. Spray paint allows me to work on various surfaces and achieve intense textures and colors, reflecting the freedom and spontaneity I admire in graffiti and hip-hop culture. This medium helps me express my thoughts and emotions vividly, with the dynamic effects of spray paint mirroring the energy and creativity I draw from hip-hop music.
Tia Xu: Are there any other series that you are currently working on? Would you mind sharing them with us?
Hwichan Ko: In addition to my ‘Utopia’ series on canvas, I’m currently working on a digital illustration series with the theme of ‘Love.’ This series explores various facets of love through different life situations, inspired by love songs, drama, and personal experiences. The illustrations feature a character resembling Cupid with a circular shape, representing both positive and toxic aspects of relationships, and conveying my reflections on the complexities of love.
Tia Xu: Are there any artists or art movements that have had a significant influence on your work? If so, why?
Photo courtesy of artist.
Hwichan Ko: I’m influenced by several artists, including Kaws, Stickymonger, Jangkoal, James Jean, and Haekang Lee. Korean artist Jangkoal had a significant impact on me when I first encountered her work online in 2013. Her unique style and character inspired me to develop my own artistic voice. Kaws, Stickymonger, and James Jean influenced me during my undergraduate years. Their established styles and creative approaches expanded my imagination and provided me with valuable inspiration. Additionally, Haekang Lee, whom I met in 2015, inspired me with his vibrant and experimental work. His fearlessness in trying new techniques encouraged me to explore painting and graffiti, and to continuously push the boundaries of my art.
The Bridge Arts Foundation's "SOLILOQUY" Open Call Exhibition Installation View, Photo: ©The Bridge Arts Foundation / Luna Hao
ABOUT OPEN CALL EXHIBITION PROGRAM
The Bridge Arts Foundation's "SOLILOQUY" Open Call Exhibition Installation View, Photo: ©The Bridge Arts Foundation / Luna Hao
Bridge Arts Foundation's Open Call Exhibition Program is designed to provide support for early-career artists. The "SOLILOQUY" Open Call Exhibition has thoughtfully selected 18 talented artists from over 500 submissions, employing a selection process that involves art professionals. "SOLILOQUY" opens from July 13th to August 17th, 2024.
ABOUT ARTIST
Hwichan Ko
Lives and Works in New York
Hwichan Ko (b. 1994, South Korea) is a contemporary artist known for figurative painting and character illustration. He recently received his MFA from School of Visual Arts. Inspired by hip hop culture and animation, Hwichan Ko's work explores themes of ()topia.
His work has been exhibited in contemporary galleries such as Aspace Gallery (NY) . Notable pieces include "Exit" and "The Prodigal Son," showcasing their innovative use of spray paint and oil. Hwichan Ko has been honored with awards like Jeonju International Film Festival as illustrator and residencies at Aspace Gallery(NY).
Currently based in New York, Hwichan Ko continues to evolve their artistic practice with oil painting and aerosol, contributing to the contemporary art scene with their thought-provoking and visually striking creations with his alter ego.