Born in 1978, Korean sculptor Yong Ho Ji has a BFA in sculpture from Hongik University in Seoul, and and MFA in fine art form New York University.
“Meticulously layering cut strips of tire as the flesh for his “mutants,” Yong Ho Ji models his creatures after endangered animals, mythological beings, and humanoids akin to his favorite superheroes. Underlying his unique brand of science fiction monster making is a startlingly specific, poetically lucid, ethical critique of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), based on his skepticism towards those “who seek to challenge nature by creating an entirely new form of life through modifying genes of animals, plants, and human beings.” Scientifically speaking, Ji’s mutants are emblematic of Darwin’s evolutionary theory, which states that mutations may evolve species better adapted to their environments. Some of his mutants inherit handsome traits (long necks or muscular hind quarters), while others inherit the abhorrent traits (multiple heads) typical of Lovecraftian sci-fi imagery.” (Trinie Dalton)
To see more, visit YongHoJi.com.
