Jae Ko

Sculptor Jae Ko uses unusual materials: adding machine paper and traditional Asian inks. Ko unwinds and reshapes miles of everyday offi ce paper into more alluring forms, then bathes in vatsof ink and lets dry over months. Ko says, “The edges of infi nitely long pieces of paper create line drawings which spiral, tighten, and loosen depending on how I roll them.” As the paper takes the ink and dries, it elongates and swells into organic sculptural forms guided by the artist’s design.

Her seductive work occupies a space between writing and sculpting; this biomorphic form often looks like a swollen calligraphic mark. Though Ko leaves their interpretation to the viewer, she acknowledges personal references in their gestures. Drawn to traditional Asian family marks and architectural detailes such as the designs of columns, she also looks inside fl owers for inspiration. The outcome, the color, form and texture with a wealth of emotions and allusions, is simply exquisite.


BACKGROUND AND EDUCATION

1998   MFA, Maryland Institute College of Art, MD
1988   BFA, Wako University, Tokyo, Japan
1984   BA, Toyo Art School, Tokyo, Japan

SELECTED COLLECTIONS

Hirshorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Washington
Corcoran Museum of Art, Washington
Washington DC Convention Center, Washington
Agnes Scott College, GA
Arlington Cultural Affairs, Arlington VA

Comtemporary Asian Art Jae Ko

1   2