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Woo Ri Ko

Seoul, South Korea
b. 1989

I document the imperfect emotional changes that occur over time within various relationships and work to find resolutions to fundamental questions.

We all inevitably form relationships as we navigate life with different individuals. However, for me, emotional friction with others has often led to discomfort, which then manifests physically, evolving into anxiety, fear, and stress. Yet these emotions remain unresolved as time passes. This is why I create—to seek resolutions for these emotions. As I contemplate my inner feelings, there are moments when elements of daily life seem to overlap with the essence of my emotions. For example, peeling an onion layer by layer raises the question of what the true form of the onion really is. Similarly, when the paint on the exterior of an old building peels away, revealing the concrete underneath, I find myself in a state of confusion, unable to determine what is real. Confronting such inner chaos, I strive to express my emotions through the act of creation.

Emotions that arise from within begin to leave traces through gestures on the canvas.

For instance, when painting with my hands, I start by using my entire hand. However, as I become more attuned to my emotions, I exert pressure through my fingertips, creating rhythms and waves. When I become deeply immersed in my feelings, I naturally begin to use my nails—the sharpest part of my fingertips—resulting in clearer and more defined lines. Through the layering of these gestures, I distort forms and emphasize movement and rhythm. Additionally, I employ different methods to disrupt form—not just through lines but also through surfaces. For example, I sometimes use the edge of my hand to wipe away previously applied paint. This blurs the boundary between presence and absence, inducing a sense of confusion about what is essential.

따뜻한 껍데기의 정체, 97×97cm, Charcoal and Acrlic on canvas, 2020, 3,000,000원.jpg

Artist Information

2020 <Expressions of Emotion>, All That Curating, Seoul

2019 <Emotion Layer>, Artspace Gru, Ulsan

           <Between You and Me>, Noson Gallery, Suwon

2018 <Unknown · Boundary · Moment · Gap · Surface>, Space Noon, Suwon

            <Blended Boundary">, Seolmijae Art Museum, Gapyeong

2017 <Weigh down emotion>, Seoul Art&Healing Hub, Seoul

2015 <Untouchable Things>, Project Gallery GMMA, Ansan

Woo Ri Ko
Seoul, South Korea
b. 1989

Exhibitions & Art Fair

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Opening Hours

Tuesday to Saturday

10:30 am - 6:00 pm

Location

127-2, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea

(03049)

Contact

T +82 2 6014 6677

F +82 2 720 6677
galleryilho@hanmail.net

© 2012 by Gallery ILHO

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