Growing up alongside autistic artists has influenced my perception of the world. Their unique ways of perceiving and expressing reality have shaped my understanding of what it means to “see.” This fascination with the concept of "ways of seeing" has drawn me to the fantastical, visionary works of artists like Hieronymus Bosch and to literary depth of Kafka’s The Metamorphosis.

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As an artist, I explore seeing as an active, subjective process shaped by individual cognition, rather than a passive act of observation. ​My artwork examines the diverse and complex ways people perceive the world. My portfolio represents both my personal journey of discovering new ways of perceiving the present and my imagined visions of distant future worlds.
 

My creative process begins with a simple image in mind. Through research-driven sketches, I use digital tools to create numerous variations by contrasting and blending opposing elements: representational and non-representational, realistic and fantastical, two dimensional and three-dimensional, bold and muted colors. I select the version that best captures the interplay of diverse perceptions of reality. Often, I gravitate toward interpretations that initially feel unsettling and surreal.

For my paintings, acrylic is my primary medium, with colored pencils to enhance detail and texture. I use pastels for soft, layered depth, and conté for rough texture. I aim to create bold, striking impressions with intense color contrasts and the main subject or theme at the center of the composition.
 

Through my artwork, I want the audience to explore what it means to "see” and discover how viewing the world through diverse perspectives can offer new experiences.

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Heyon Choi