HEEJOO ROH
Monger, 2023
Oil on canvas
Try to Swim When you are Already Dead, 2023
Oil on canvas
Upside Down Pink, 2022
Oil on canvas
Piled, 2022
Oil on canvas
Orange, Halved, 2022
Oil on canvas
Beheld, 2023
Oil on canvas
Caved, 2023
Oil on canvas
Down and Dead, 2022
Oil on canvas
Red, Halved, 2023
Oil on canvas
Red and Dead, 2023
Oil on canvas
Violent and Ugly, 2022
Oil on canvas
Canned, 2022
Oil on canvas
Mister Blue, 2022
Oil on canvas
Fish in Headlight, 2022
Oil on wood, knife, spoon, and fork
Green Day (Not Unless You are Fish), 2022
Oil on canvas
Caught and Stared, 2022
Oil on canvas
Eyes, Assembled. Begin Consumption., 2023
Oil on canvas
A fish is one of only a few animals that does not have eyelids. It stares back at you as you catch it, kill it, and ultimately consume it. You are forced to confront that you are eating a once-living creature, which brings thoughts of ethical and mindful consumption to the forefront of the mind. As a Korean American, I grew up eating fish that were presented whole, with eyes and all attached. My wall of fish are carefully prepared and are killed for display in the form of oil paintings. They stare back at you as you visually consume my work. Like a fishmonger, I took my thoughts, killed them, and they are now on display. What will you do?