WOO KUKWON
b. 1976, South KoreaAt first glance, Woo Kukwon’s canvas looks like a scene from a fairy tale. Colorfully painted child-like images and thick matiere is the most distinguishable features of his works. Anything that can create the texture as the artist intended, be it a brush, pencil, or finger, becomes a tool. However, if you look closely at the work, it is notperfectly light and cheerful. The liveliness felt in the first impression fades as one gazes at the details or the surrounding environment of the characters in the work, and the cynical sentences overlap, immersing the audience in thought. He leaves interpretation up to the audience, and as his nickname ‘Korean Basquiat’ suggests, he is now the most wanted artist by collectors following his every exhibition.
The artist likes to have adorable children and animals appear on the canvas, and excludes a clear point of view or explanation for the work. Friendly and fairy tale-like images help the audience easily access the works regardless of age. Therefore, the moment the audience sees the work, they fall into the charm of the canvas and enter the game of asking questions about the work and searching for answers themselves. His wit of putting sentences such as “I hate mornings” or “The more I know about people the more I like my dog,” is probably the reason that makes people stay in front of his works for a long time, by bringing bitter but sincere laughter in their faces. The bright balance felt in the finished image and the chaos that comes from the serious text that contrasts with it make people look back on the works over and over again.
The imaginary world of Woo Kukwon is free and unconstrained. Colors that are not common in reality feel familiar, and the appearance of a girl and an animal sleeping together naturally harmonizes in the canvas. As he has once said, “My work starts from frank emotions such as happiness, joy, jolliness, anger, hate, jealousy, envy, weakness, frustration, etc. Almost like a child who spends half a day happily just by wiggling histoes.”
His works are included in collections by major institutions such as National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea; Kolon Group; Ilshin Cultural Foundation, and LVMH Foundation.
Woo Kukwon, born 1976 in Seoul, South Korea, lives and works in Seoul, South Korea.
Courtesy Tang Contemporary Art
Works at Tang Contemporary Art
Explore and Follow Artists Shaping Contemporary Art
A respected voice in contemporary art discourse.
Focusing on ambitious storytelling and insightful art-world commentary. Ocula Magazine publishes in-depth interviews, critical essays and timely analysis on the artists, exhibitions and ideas driving the global art world.
Learn more about Ocula Magazine
Showcasing the best of the art world.
Ocula partners with galleries from around the world to highlight their artists, artworks and exhibitions. Gallery membership is by application and invitation, with each member vetted by an independent panel.
Learn more about Ocula Membership
Specialises in the sale of major artworks.
Led by a team with deep ties to the world’s leading auction houses, galleries and collectors. Ocula’s advisory team offers bespoke services to high-net-worth clients from around the world who are looking to acquire the best of contemporary and modern art.
Learn more about our team and services