Born in 1975 in Korea, Xooang Choi obtained his MFA in Sculpture from the Seoul National University in 2005 where he became recognized for his tiny figurative sculptures. Since 2007 and his one-man show titled The Vegetative State, Choi’s figures have been enlarged in scale, which gave him more physical room to unearth dark, human emotions. Some of his works isolate certain body parts to create disturbing and thought-provoking pieces that delve into human rights, discrimination, isolation, loneliness, sex and gender politics.
Choi's main interest is pointed towards social systems that manage and control people without them maybe being completely aware of it. Made from clay and resin, his pieces take on a strange life form all of their own. Extremely detailed and graphic, the sculptures wear poignant, but at the same time, very powerful expressions, an instant captured forever.
Choi’s sculptures explore how a variety of social issues and value systems impact each and every human. As the sculptor himself claims, the whole point of his work is to raise questions in the audience about human beings and their role in our modern society.
These hyperrealist sculptures are full of questions regarding the human condition and its relationship to society. Many of his pieces combine objects with the human form reflecting a sickness in society and the inner conflicts that ordinary people face.
“There are many signs of risks in our society, and I cannot help but feel that something’s strange or wrong. I’m much concerned about the condition of each individual.“ He also explains that the “physical distortions or exaggerations are rendered with the most delicate, realistic way, expressing psychological anxiety and fragility. I hope the reality of this emotional status can be manifested in these imperfect or deformed bodies…In naked bodies, I tried to express the anxiety of the human being…these figures stand as individuals.”
His work has been exhibited in museums and galleries in Seoul including The National Museum of Contemporary Art, Gimhae Arts Centre, Dukwon Gallery, Doosan Art Center, Gwangju Museum of Art and the Museum of Art Seoul National University, among others.
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