Choi Xooang: Sculptures Reflecting Humanity and Society

An Insightful Artist

Expressing Human Emotions

Choi’s artwork challenges preconceived notions about horror, conveying deep human expression without the intent to shock. “Images of individuals wandering within society and conflict within it tend to be the motives and topics of my work,” he reflects.

The Details Behind the Art

Choi is recognized for his impeccable attention to detail, a hallmark of many contemporary South Korean artists. His dedication to his craft means that most sculptures take between two and five months to complete.

Upcoming Exhibition

This May, Choi will host his first solo exhibition in the US at New York’s Doosan Gallery. He mentions, “There will be one or two new works displayed, and I plan to do more drawings while in New York.”

Thematic Exploration

Curator Kang Yoewool describes Choi’s work as illustrating “mental maladies of contemporary people — lost; deficient; paranoid; and deprived of free will.” Choi often delves into themes of cosmetic surgery and societal expectations, stating, “There’s a sense of depression that comes from forming one’s shape to show others.”

Choi’s Artistic Philosophy

“People tend to think positively of couples,” Choi argues, pointing out how societal pressure to conform can lead to emotional pain. He emphasizes that “being stitched together hurts,” aiming to expose the darker aspects of societal norms through his art.

The Wing: A Notable Piece

Choi’s acclaimed work, “The Wing,” consists of hyperrealistic dismembered hands, symbolizing individual sacrifice for a greater society. “I was thinking about the sacrifice of individuals for a greater society,” he notes.

Society and the Individual

Choi reflects on the complexity of human interactions within a structured society. “The bigger and more advanced a society, the more standardized and systematized it becomes,” he observes, highlighting the continuous tension between individual identity and societal expectations.

Conclusion

Through his innovative approach to sculpture, Choi Xooang provides a unique lens on human experience, navigating intricate themes of mental health, societal pressure, and the human condition.