Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
Cho Gi-seok is a South Korean artist who uses her own body as a canvas to create striking and surreal self-portraits. She paints her skin with vivid colors and patterns, transforming himself into different characters and creatures, such as a tiger, a snake, a flower, or a robot. She then photographs himself in various poses and settings, capturing her metamorphosis and expression.
Cho, who is 29 years old, started body painting in 2016, after graduating from the Korea National University of Arts with a degree in photography. She was inspired by the works of other body painters, such as Kim Joon and Liu Bolin, as well as by her own curiosity and imagination. She says he enjoys the process of body painting, which she describes as a form of meditation and therapy.
“I paint my body to express myself, to communicate with myself, and to heal myself,” Cho tells Forbes. “I feel like I’m creating a new world with my body, and I’m exploring different aspects of myself.”
Cho says she spends about four to six hours on each body painting, using acrylic paints and brushes. She usually works alone, without any mirrors or assistants, relying on her intuition and feeling. She says she does not plan or sketch her designs beforehand, but rather lets them emerge spontaneously on her skin.
“I don’t have a specific concept or theme for each painting,” Cho says. “I just follow my instincts and emotions, and I see what comes out. Sometimes I’m surprised by the results, and sometimes I’m disappointed. But I always try to accept and embrace whatever I create.”
Cho says She faces various challenges and difficulties as a body painter and photographer, such as finding suitable locations, dealing with weather conditions, and avoiding legal issues. She also says she has to cope with the physical and mental strain of her art, such as the pain of removing the paint, the risk of allergic reactions, and the pressure of social expectations.
“Body painting is not a common or popular art form in Korea, and some people might think it’s weird or inappropriate,” Cho says. “I sometimes feel lonely and misunderstood, and I wonder if I’m doing the right thing. But I also feel proud and happy, because I’m doing what I love and what I believe in.”
Cho says she hopes her art can inspire and connect with others, especially those who struggle with their body image, identity, or expression. She says she wants to show that the body is not a fixed or limited entity, but a flexible and creative one, that can change and evolve according to one’s will and imagination.
“I think everyone has their own beauty and uniqueness, and they can express it in their own way,” Cho says. “I hope my art can encourage people to be more confident and comfortable with themselves, and to explore and discover their own potential.”
