Publicity: Giseok Cho
In this edition of Exposure, CR's showcase for new photographic talent, Art Director Gem Fletcher introduces the Korean photographer Giseok Cho, whose imagery combines art and fashion in an impressive way
Giseok Cho uses his work to broaden the concept of beauty through a mixture of historical and contemporary references that aim to center Korean culture in dynamic and experimental new ways. “For me, beauty comes from harmonizing things that are not in harmony. I want to take it apart, combine it again and process it. Destroy them in different ways and find my own new beauty. "
Giseok's strength is based on his ability to effortlessly synthesize opposing forces, tradition and modernity, growth and destruction, and vulnerability and joy. His photographs conjure up both the intimacy of Ren Hang and the performative energy of Floria Sigismondi through an artful mixture of art and fashion.
Above: Flower study by Giseok Cho; Above: Editorial for Lined Magazine
Giseok studied at a traditional Korean arts institution, where "textbook people like Picasso and Rodin" were the main entry points. It wasn't until he entered ffffound.com that the endless possibilities of creative expression became tangible. He initially trained in graphic design, set design and art direction before realizing that he could combine all of these interests in photography. Giseok's approach works on every element of his creations and is carefully researched and elaborated.