Cho Gi-Seok
The Coexistence of Imperfection
“Imperfection is not a flaw, but a more authentic and profound state of being,” notes Cho Gi-Seok. The exhibition The Coexistence of Imperfection call on audiences to perceive harmony within contradiction and strength within vulnerability—arriving, perhaps, at a deeper reconciliation with both self and world.
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
From October 12, 2025, to March 8, 2026, Fotografiska Shanghai will present The Coexistence of Imperfection, the first major solo exhibition in Asia by celebrated Korean visual artist Cho Gi-Seok.
Featuring four pivotal series — Flower Study, Bad Dream, Love & Hate, and These Days — the exhibition explores “imperfection” as a generative force of beauty, tension, and emotional depth. Through these works, viewers are invited to rediscover beauty within contradiction, and to encounter resonance in fragility and authenticity.
Visual Alchemist of The Digital Age
Widely recognized as one of the most influential multidisciplinary image-makers of his generation, Cho’s trajectory is itself a story of reinvention. Trained as a graphic designer, he turned to photography in 2016, self-taught and working from a small rented studio in Seoul, before quickly rising to international acclaim. Today, he collaborates with global brands and cultural institutions, often described as a “visual alchemist of the digital age.”
His work has come to define a new visual sensibility within contemporary Korean and global youth culture. Far from a simple layering of Eastern motifs, his images fuse traditional symbols with digital technologies and futurist aesthetics, giving rise to a distinctly “New Asian” visual language. Cho’s signature style—vivid, audacious, and saturated—disrupts the quiet restraint often associated with classical Asian aesthetics, while retaining its spirit and rhythm at a deeper level. His art resists the visual fatigue of the digital era, conjuring surreal dreamscapes that feel at once spiritual and contemporary.
The Coexistence of Imperfection
Within the exhibition, Cho interlaces nature, technology, emotion, and dream into poetic and symbolic tableaux: Flower Study investigates the fragile yet resilient bond between body and flora; Bad Dream draws creative force from subconscious chaos; Love & Hate confronts the coexistence of emotional dualities; while These Days reflects on the shifting relationship between humanity, nature, and technology in a digital world.
“Imperfection is not a flaw, but a more authentic and profound state of being,” notes Cho. His works call on audiences to perceive harmony within contradiction and strength within vulnerability—arriving, perhaps, at a deeper reconciliation with both self and world.
Through images steeped in metaphor, symbolism, and a rebellious lyricism, Cho Gi-Seok offers viewers not only a striking aesthetic encounter but also an invitation to immerse themselves in a dreamlike exploration of identity, memory, and beauty. The Coexistence of Imperfection is more than an exhibition; it is an inner journey of resonance and reflection.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Cho Gi-Seok, born in 1992 in Seoul, South Korea, is a multidisciplinary artist working across photography, art direction, and film. After studying graphic design, he began his career in visual design before turning to photography in 2016.
Known for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to merge symbolism with raw emotion, Cho has collaborated with global icons including Billie Eilish, Kylie Jenner, and Jennie, as well as brands such as Louis Vuitton, Prada, Nike, Cartier, and Bulgari. His works have been featured in leading publications such as Vogue Italia and Dazed UK, with each project reflecting his distinct visual language and emotional depth.
Beyond photography, Cho directs music videos for artists like Kali Uchis and Jennie, translating his vision into cinematic form. In 2025, he launched his perfume brand, CGS, as an extension of his exploration of beauty, contrast, and storytelling. Cho continues to push creative boundaries across disciplines, leaving his mark on art, fashion, and culture.
With Special Thanks: NIPPON PAINT
The wall coatings for this exhibition were provided by Nippon Paint China. Since entering the Chinese market in 1992, Nippon Paint China has been committed to its corporate mission of "Refreshing wonderful living space." Through continuous exploration and innovation, the company has developed a wide range of colors, products, and services tailored to the needs of the Chinese market and consumers, helping to bring the public’s vision of a better life to life.