Work — Zechariah Choi

Rapid Transit IV
Oil on canvas, 18 x 16 inch (45.7 x 40.6 cm)
work in progress

Rapid Transit IV, Detail

Eve
Oil on canvas, 48 x 60 inch

Eve, Detail

Spring
Acrylic and oil on canvas, 62 x 50 inch

Spring II
Acrylic and oil, 49 x 59 inch

Autumn
Oil on canvas, 71 x 45 inch

Purus
Oil on canvas, 36 x 24 inch

Purus, Detail

Seoul

Lux et Persona
Oil on canvas, 40 x 30 inch

This piece reflects on the tender yet profound memories of a childhood that, though immature and imperfect, held a unique sense of perfection. The gaze of a child, filled with unyielding determination and bold confidence, pierces the viewer's consciousness, leaving an indelible impression. It captures an era brimming with passion and conviction—a time when, despite not fully understanding the world, the belief in boundless potential and the ability to achieve anything was unshakable. Through this evocative narrative, the artist invites viewers to revisit the pure, unfiltered essence of youthful aspirations and the unwavering spirit of possibility.

Nostalgia
Oil on canvas, 36 x 48 inch

Artist’s identity is expressed through unforgettable memories, the personal belongings he once used, favorite places, nostalgic landscapes, and weather. These elements symbolize the guiding principles and order in his life, represented metaphorically as traffic signals. The dazzlingly beautiful green forest represents the green light of a traffic signal, symbolizing movement and freedom. A yellow umbrella floating on the lake signifies the yellow light, embodying caution and contemplation. Meanwhile, vibrant orange hues and red streaks interwoven with the water’s ripples illustrate the red light, a call for pause and reflection. At the center of the painting, the easel stands as a symbol of the artist’s identity as a painter, emphasizing the importance of this tool in his creative journey. In the lower-left corner of the painting, his right hand holding a camera signifies his desire to capture fleeting moments like these. Finally, the artist’s self-portrait is faintly reflected on the right side of the lake, subtly blending into the scene.

Conversion
Oil on canvas, 48 x 72 inch

Emotion an Sound
Oil and Cyanotype on canvas, 16 x 12 inch each

Union Station

Rapid Transit X
Oil on canva, 36 x 48 inch

Rapid Transit IX
Oil on canvas, 36 x 48 inch

The artist seeks to capture the poetry of the everyday, weaving words and images to reveal the extraordinary hidden within the mundane. By layering contrasting and sometimes contradictory ideas, their work invites viewers into a dialogue, sparking questions that resonate well beyond the initial encounter.
In Rapid Transit IX, the artist presents a moment frozen in time: a figure, half-asleep on a subway train, cradling Emmanuel Kant's Perpetual Peace. Through the train window, the neon glow of a Mega Millions Lottery sign casts its fleeting light, symbolizing the ephemeral allure of fortune. The figure, weary and burdened by the day’s trials, seems caught between yearning for material success and contemplating loftier ideals. Yet, amidst the transience of the neon sign, the figure clings to the enduring wisdom of a philosophical book—a steadfast source of intellectual and spiritual grounding.
This poignant juxtaposition offers a reflection on the human condition, contrasting the fleeting with the timeless, and the material with the intellectual. The artist’s work urges viewers to consider profound questions: What are our true dreams? What brings lasting joy? Are the answers already within reach, or do they remain elusive in the chaos of modern existence? Through this evocative composition, the artist builds a bridge between introspection and revelation, inviting the audience to explore the delicate equilibrium between what we seek and what truly sustains us.

Rapid Transit VIII
Oil on canvas, 20 x 20 inch (50.8 x 50.8 cm)

The scenes within a subway are remarkably diverse, yet they often share a striking similarity, as if by unspoken agreement. The quiet patience of individuals awaiting their destination within the confined space feels uniquely captivating. People heading in the same direction yet leading different lives and harboring distinct thoughts sit together in close proximity. The spaces between individuals in public settings like this seem to carry an inexplicable sense of order and tension. The artist finds this restrained and tranquil atmosphere deeply appealing.

slide to answer
Oil on canvas, 48 x 72 inch
work in progress

The backstage world of ballerinas is a reflection of a fragment of everyday life. Their existence revolves around relentless training to perfect their movements and posture. Maintaining their weight through daily dietary discipline is an arduous task. Yet, they too are social beings, much like anyone else. They strive tirelessly toward their goals, but they also take moments to rest, chatting and laughing with their peers. At an age when desires and aspirations abound, the determination to walk steadfastly toward a chosen path is a quality of immeasurable value.

Ballerina
Oil on canvas, 18 x 24 inch

This scene depicts three ballerinas backstage, preparing for a rehearsal. The woman on the far left is fully focused on practicing her basic movements until the very last moment. In contrast, the woman on the far right is preoccupied with applying makeup, striving to look as beautiful as possible. Meanwhile, the woman in the center stands in front of a mirror, her head slightly bowed, seemingly lost in deep thought. She appears to be pondering whether she can execute all her movements flawlessly or achieve success as a ballerina in the future. These moments resonate with the artist’s own life, as such reflections and contrasts are ever-present.

Ballerina, Detail

Rapid Transit VII
Acrylic and oil on canvas
work in progess

Rapid Transit VI
Acrylic on eyeglasses, train tickets, and white shirt

The items I used during my travels in Europe hold great sentimental value and remain vivid in my memories. Reflecting on the people I met and the places I visited, I incorporated subway tickets, clothing, and glasses into an installation art piece. On the lenses of the glasses, I illustrated ballerina friends I encountered during my journey. My identity is both visualized and reinterpreted through these everyday objects, transforming them into meaningful expressions of my experiences.

Rapid Transit VI, Detail

Factum
Oil on canvas, 24 x 18 inch

What could symbolize the modern individual living in today's era when expressed through art? The artist wanted to depict something in a portrait that could not have been seen during the Renaissance or the 19th century. That symbol is a person wearing a stainless steel headset around their neck.
In this piece, he is profoundly grateful for the ability to hear music. However, it is sometimes essential to step away from the artificial sounds created by human ingenuity. By taking a break from the noise of industrially developed music devices and other man-made sounds, he attunes himself to the natural sounds in his surroundings. In these moments, he often uncovers unexpected and simple joys.

Factum, Details

Appreciation for David J. Skorton
Oil on canvas, 40 x 30 inch

Detail

Family
Oil on canvas, 36 x 48 inch

Rapid Transit XII

Rapid Transit III
Pencil on paper, 8.5 x 11 Inch (21.6 x 27.9 cm)

Rapid Transit II
Ink on paper, Diptych, 17 x 11 inch (43.2 x 27.9 cm)

Drawing Session
Pencil on paper, Diptych, 18 x 12 inch (45.7 x 30.5 cm)

18th Century Korean Queen Encounters the 21st Century Technology
Oil on canvas, 72 x 96 inch (182.9 x 243.8 cm)

Detail and Installation View

Elation
Oil on canvas, a movie clip playing on brand new toilet installation, golf balls, 84 x 132 inch (213.4 x 335.28 cm)

Elation, Detail