Oh Terence…KOH!

Sorry for my ignorance, but it was after the ArtMART auction that I knew about Terence Koh. If I was not reassured by the name, I could hardly relate the above auction piece with asianpunkboy. While this piece reminded me of Chinese ink painting of serene type, the website is simply a series of visual shock. This perhaps, illustrates again that we cannot define an artist by a single piece of work, especially when the audience lacks knowledge of the artist. The perception of the work will then be shaped by further understanding, if any. At first I was not amazed by this particular work, but after I saw more of his works and became very attracted to them, I started to realize the rhythm and possible mentalities in it. I may still hold no preference to it, but my view of it changes. Beneath the punk surface there is a certain grace in his works, most easily seen from his poetic diaries. The chemistry of violent freedom and elegance becomes more visible then, in this piece.

That was the experience with that single work. About Koh’s website “ASIANPUNKBOY W O R L D”, the navigation itself says what he is. Kohbunny links to a random entry instead of the next entry. While hyperlinks in most Internet articles may distract the viewer by leading him elsewhere thus disrupting linear reading, the non-linear experience in the website provides excitement and a sort of mental disorder that matches his works very well.

Koh’s presence in his photographic works and snapshots, together with his fashion and behaviour, contributes to the artist’s star image. It remains a question whether he becomes one of his artworks, but the visible (and active) involvement of the artist in producing works or presenting himself makes it impossible to separate the artist from his works. This happens to many of the famous such as Salvador Dalí and Andy Warhol. Surely, the media often play a big role in generating the art brand, whether the artist intentionally exploits them or not. I don’t know exactly how I am influenced by him, but I totally enjoy both Koh’s works and the person, because they are one.

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Introduction

This blog is going to be co-edited by Nana Seo, Iris Lo, Evangelo Costadimas and Lam Hoi Sin, four participants of CTP (2008-09), Curatorial Training Programme organized by Para/Site Art Space in Hong Kong. It is mainly a vehicle to enhance the learning process, meaning anything from formal writings, casual discussions to note jotting or material posting may occur. We still don’t know yet, but we will be posting soon.