Today we’d like to introduce you to Zoe Koke.
Hi Zoe, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I moved to LA for my master’s at UCLA in 2017 from Montreal. A psychic suggested I go to LA, but I was already attracted to the city for a variety of reasons, and even as a kid was fascinated with Hollywood and Disneyland. I think that LA is a good place to observe the effects of capitalism on the collective psyche and the environment. It’s also where so many stories and images have historically proliferated from. It’s one of the most photographed places in the world. I’m interested in what being here, absorbing this mediated environment and making from this place, can mean… I’m fascinated by global culture and image and narrative production. I make paintings, videos, sculptures and photography.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I think when I decided to be an artist, I knew it wouldn’t be easy. I’ve worked many different jobs to commit to my practice in the way I have. I haven’t always had stability but I learn all kinds of things all the time about what it means to choose an unusual path in life. With immigration and the intensity of the business, I’m proud that I keep going.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m very interdisciplinary in my work. I write, I paint, I make videos and films, and I make photographs and objects. I think this probably sets me apart from some artists, but I hope the mood of what I’m doing does more.
Thanks for having me.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
obsession
Image Credits
Lauren Strom-Berg
