Do-Ho Suh; space is the medium

Do-Ho Suh is an artist with a unique perspective on culture. He was born and raised in Soule, South Korea and moved to America as a young man. This juxtaposition of vastly differing cultural norms provided Suh much chance for inspiration. In particular ideas of individuality verses collectivism, as well as concepts of personal space permeate his work. 

Suh’s experience in the South Korean army impacted his art as much as the work of his father. One recurring theme is the military uniform. Suh lines up empty uniforms perhaps to demonstrate the facelessness and lack of individuality in the military. However Do-Ho does not entirely rail against conformity, in fact his work does not seek and argument between cultures but a conversation.

In this piece Do-Ho Suh has posed thousands of figures holding up the floor.  The tiny figures all work together to bear the wait. They are however not bent by the burden

In this piece he uses similar characters to hold up the base of a statue. It effectively reverses the traditional focus and reflects a deep respect for the faceless masses of the proletariat, laboring away in darkness.