Cheolgyu KANG

An otherworldly realm where fantastical beings roam, engaged in a perpetual cycle of pursuit and survival. Kang’s work leaves a profound impact. It can be quite unusual. It possesses a captivating intensity that demands your full attention.

Cheolgyu Kang was born in 1990 in Gimcheon, Republic of Korea. He completed his studies at Hannam University in 2015 and went on to pursue his MFA at Hannam University Graduate School of Fine Arts, graduating in 2019. At present, he holds residency at White Block Cheonan Changjak, and his impressive works have found their place in prestigious collections such as the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Government Art Bank, Seoul Museum of Art, and Daejeon Museum of Art.

He skillfully captures the essence of his inner world through his artistic portrayal of landscapes, transforming ordinary events and psychological experiences into a unique symbolic language of imagery. The artist crafts captivating landscapes of enigmatic virtual realms, where each character embodies a unique facet of his imagination. He reflects, “I have long pondered my own identity and the unfolding of my experiences. I am the individual in question. Currently, I find myself immersed in a continuous journey of deep introspection and innovative self-expression. Through the medium of painting, I strive to authentically convey my unique experiences and inner psyche, allowing for a more profound understanding of my true self.”

“The sculptures I created were a reflection of my inner thoughts and emotions, resulting in a truly unconventional and intriguing form.” he explains, describing his distinctive artistic creations. “The visuals in my recent work have taken on a more unconventional and imaginative quality. The reason for this shift is due to the transformation of my personal surroundings and the subsequent evolution of my mindset. In addition to that, I have delved further into my research on images while maintaining a full-time work schedule. As an illustration, psychoanalysis in the classics. I trust you can perceive the progression of my research on images, which is intricately intertwined with my personal development in the realm of storytelling.”

He responded that it is natural for every artist’s work to have its own distinctive characteristics, stemming from each artist’s expression of the world they see and feel. However, he noted that formally, a characteristic of his artistic world is that all paintings maintain continuity. Each of his works explores a distinct theme that deeply resonates with him, and there is a clear causal connection between each painting and those that came before it.

“I have been engaged in the art of painting for a considerable duration,” he expresses, “and it is somewhat peculiar when individuals assert that I am a fledgling artist who has suddenly emerged.” However, he mentioned that he doesn’t dislike such reactions.

“Pursuing a career as a full-time artist has presented its fair share of challenges. There were numerous factors that hindered my ability to pick up a paintbrush, such as feelings of apprehension and a lack of clarity. However, pursuing a career as a full-time artist is more attainable than you may realize. Despite the numerous challenges, it is truly enjoyable to pursue a career in one’s passion. That is precisely why I have such a deep appreciation for the art of painting. I shall persist in expressing my presence. Nevertheless, the manner in which I desire to convey my thoughts is always evolving. I aspire to maintain a high level of productivity until I reach the age of seventy, after which I plan to gracefully retire from my artistic pursuits and embrace a life of leisure.”

Cheolgyu KANG , Big One, Oil on canvas, 160 x 130.3 cm, 2023