South Korean Photographer Cho Gi-Seok Contemplates 'Coexistence' at Fotografiska New York
In Seoul-based Cho Gi-Seok's first major exhibition, the visual artist juxtaposes natural elements and the human form to show their harmonious relationship.
Human and nature are juxtaposed in Korean visual artist Cho Gi-Seok’s compositions now on view at Fotografiska New York. The photography exhibition, Coexistence, marks the artist’s first major show and displays his ability to amplify the conceptual beauty of his subjects. From turning the human form into organic likenesses of flowers to drawing on themes of nostalgia, the images find harmony through their uncanny allure.
Based in Seoul, Cho is at the forefront of emerging talent in South Korea. The artist’s polished yet raw style has lent itself to a number of creative collaborations with fashion brands like Nike, Adidas, and Cartier, in addition to editorial work with publications such as Vogue Korea, CR Fashion Book, and others. Cho is also the creative director of his own fashion brand, Kusikohc.
“I grew up seeing my mother embracing nature. Flowers and other natural elements are accessible, and they are loved by anyone and everyone because they are always around us,” Cho tells L’OFFICIEL. “So I explored the beauty of nature even further through reconstruction by taking them apart and reassembling the broken pieces together, and I have become even more interested in natural elements.”
Some of Cho’s photographs feature resilient blooms bursting forth from cracks and holes in porcelain sculptures of the human form, while others depict flowers alone, dripping with nectar or arranged in an almost architectural formation. As a recurring motif in the artist’s work, the flowers represent harmony with nature. This is especially evident in his Flower Study series in which diptychs of flowers and people are composed to highlight their similarities.
A documentary-style video within the exhibition shows how Cho meticulously creates his images, working with a team of makeup artists and designers to carefully construct the photographs. From sketching out his ideas to creating a mood board with wardrobe and makeup inspirations to collecting flowers and props to use, Cho has complete creative agency over his work.
With around 45 photographs captured between 2018 and 2020 on view in the exhibition, ranging in large and smaller scale formats, there’s plenty of Cho’s detailed work to examine as the artist shares, “All images have their own stories; however, they are all in one big umbrella of coexistence.”
Cho Gi-Seok, Coexistence is now on view at Fotografiska New York through February 6, 2022.
