Painting The World In Reverse

Consolidating photography, performance art, and painting, Koh Sang Woo reconsiders the way in which we look at others and understand ourselves

- Julia Roxan

Capturing his every subject in their most pure and vulnerable form, using negative film, Koh Sang Woo is a visual artist who consolidates photography, performance, and painting – in an effort to present the audience with the opportunity to see the world in reverse.

You were born in Seoul into a family of artists. What attracted you to the U.S.?

When I was a young student in Seoul, art education was mainly focused on technique rather than idea and concept. Techniques based on old masters were a large part of art education. Repeating the techniques over and over again to duplicate a master. I realised the U.S. had a different art education system. After finding out I had to create 20 original artworks for my portfolio to enter college, I was immediately attracted to study abroad. It required far more creativity and my own vision and style. I wanted to study art in U.S., where you can have your own style and vision for something else and something new.