By: Huh Se-na, Editor
Photo by Jessica Talos
Ko Tae-hwa describes herself as a passionate artist devoted to her craft. A graduate of Seoul National University, she later earned a Master's degree in Printmaking and Sculpture from the University of Maryland in 2000. With over 10 solo exhibitions, including at New York's Wave Hill and the BRIC/Media in Brooklyn, she was awarded the Gold Medal at the New York AHL Foundation Contemporary Art Competition in 2017. Recently, she was recognized as a Fellow by the New Jersey State Council and is currently involved with the Children's Museum of Manhattan’s residency program.
Ko Tae-hwa's journey with printmaking began in her sophomore year at university. "In 1993, I chose printmaking as an elective," she recalls. Printmaking allowed her room to breathe, unlike the direct involvement of painting, and offered a medium where she found freedom. She appreciated printmaking's ability to produce multiple copies of the same image, aligning with her preference for duplicates over singular valuables. Despite the labor-intensive nature of printmaking, the satisfaction and unexpected outcomes it provided were unparalleled.
Although she admits to not being the most meticulous, Ko found her own path in the demanding precision of printmaking. By cutting away mistakes and fingerprints, her work evolved beyond the constraints of traditional print formats, inviting viewers into her crafted worlds rather than observing from outside.
Ko's work reflects the tension between opposing elements like nature/artificiality and fragility/strength, exploring how personal experiences and societal contexts intertwine. Her recent projects incorporate flowers created with printmaking techniques and industrial materials like pipes and cement, prompting reflections on human-altered nature.
Her childhood experience of playing in apartment construction sites and creating islands from puddles deeply influenced her artistic direction. The passing of her father nine years ago was a pivotal moment, leading her to explore human fragility and strength. Iconic illustrations from Dr. Seuss's "The Lorax" also play a role in shaping her creative process.
Ko's work involves phases: creating images using printmaking, building three-dimensional compositions, and adapting works for exhibit spaces. "It's similar to collecting words to form sentences," she explains, making the estimation of timing for each project challenging.
Photo by Ken Goebel
Her large-scale installations break traditional printmaking boundaries, often requiring extensive labor, time, and resources. This expansion sometimes means stepping into business and management territories, diverging from her core passion for creation.
Participating in various residency programs like those at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan offers Ko a platform for social engagement and feedback. These programs are influential in her artistic development, providing fresh ideas and learning experiences, such as her works at the Evergreen Library and Museum and the Wave Hill garden.
Receiving the prestigious AH Foundation award in 2017 was a substantial encouragement amidst her journey as a Korean-American artist. “The award felt like support from family,” she remarked. Looking ahead, Ko aspires to create continuously until her last days, inspired by artists like Agnes Martin.
Having completed her undergraduate and master’s degrees in Western Painting and Printmaking, Ko Tae-hwa is recognized for her extensive solo exhibitions. Currently a Fellow with the New Jersey State Council and involved in the Children’s Museum of Manhattan residency, her works offer a dynamic invitation into the fascinating intersections of printmaking and installation art.