Check Out Hwichan Ko’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hwichan Ko.

Hi Hwichan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My artistic journey began at the age of 17 when a career assessment test in high school pointed me toward art and design. During this time, I discovered the work of the Korean illustrator ‘JangKoal,’ which deeply inspired me. These experiences solidified my decision to pursue a career in painting and illustration.

In pursuit of my passion, I chose to major in Digital Media Design during my undergraduate years. This program covered a range of disciplines, including UX/UI, Motion Graphic Design, and Interaction Design, aligning with the demands of the 4th industrial revolution. This diverse curriculum equipped me with the skills to become a versatile artist.

As I delved into my studies, I contemplated the distinctive qualities that would set me apart as an artist. I decided to combine projection mapping and painting, a unique fusion that became a defining strength in my artistic identity.

After graduating from Hongik University, my desire to delve deeper into art and explore the world led me to study abroad. Choosing New York as my destination opened doors to a vibrant and diverse artistic community. Here, I had the opportunity to interact with artists, designers, and individuals beyond the art scene, broadening my perspectives.

Even after completing my studies and obtaining my MFA, I continue to explore and refine my artistic vision. I am in the process of discovering what I truly want to achieve as an artist, working on my own projects, and striving to fulfill my dreams.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Struggling with stress has been the most significant obstacle in my artistic path. I’ve come to realize that maintaining a healthy mind and body is crucial not only for personal well-being but also for generating new ideas and creating artwork. However, stress sensitivity has been a constant challenge for me, necessitating the discovery of effective stress management techniques.

One particular hurdle I’ve encountered is being excessively strict with myself, which tends to evoke negative emotions and energy. This habit became evident, especially during intense work periods, making it difficult to escape feelings of depression and remorse.

Post-graduation, as I confronted the practical challenges of working and living as a foreign artist, stress became more frequent. The complexities of staying and working in another country added layers of difficulty to achieving my artistic goals.

Despite these challenges, the answer to overcoming them has always been clear to me since the beginning of my journey as a painter: there are no instant achievements. The key is to persist and keep moving forward, understanding that reaching a desired point takes time.

A guiding mantra that resonates with me, particularly when seeking confidence, is from a Korean rapper named Swings: “Conquer Self, Conquer All.” This phrase serves as a reminder that self-mastery is fundamental, and by conquering personal challenges, one can overcome any obstacle in the artistic journey.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in painting primarily using spray paint and acrylic, a choice influenced by my experience in graffiti with the crew “TSM (The Style Machine)” during my undergraduate years. This medium allows me to maximize texture and color intensity.

My artwork often features characters representing my alter ego, conveying desires and emotions that may be challenging to express in reality. I divide the world into two types; the ordinary world and the special world, and my work focuses on the latter, drawing inspiration from my experiences in the real world.

To express thoughts and emotions, I use the exaggerated shape of eyes, a motif inspired by my fascination with anatomy during high school biology class. Eyes, as a symbol of hidden emotion, have become a central element in my work, reflecting the emotions, desires, and curiosity of my characters.

I have unified this symbol to explore diverse themes in my art, with current focuses on ‘Utopia’ and ‘Love.’ While the characters may vary, the unified symbol helps in creating my personal branding and ideas. I believe having a distinct character and identity as an artist is crucial for recognition and lasting impact.

Through the narratives I craft with my unique style, I aim to engage the audience, allowing them to empathize with my alter ego and experience catharsis through my paintings. Ultimately, my art provides viewers with a sense of vicarious satisfaction, connecting them with my emotional journey.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Social networking with other artists or individuals from different fields stands out as the most crucial factor for my success. It offers a valuable chance to showcase my work and establish myself as a brand to those in diverse professions. Confidence is equally vital as a personality trait, enabling me to present my work without hesitation and facilitating smoother interactions within my social network. To get confidence, I needed to overcome my timid nature. By overcoming it, approaching people and expanding my professional connections have become easier. These qualities collectively serve as the key to advancing to the next stage in my artistic journey, providing me with diverse opportunities and enhancing my overall progress.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gek4.cargo.site/
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/gek4a
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hwichanko

Image Credits
Photograph by Hongbin Kim