Hyung Koo Kang was born in 1955 in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea and is a contemporary artist best known for his hyper realistic portraits that go far beyond photographic precision. A graduate of Chung-Ang University in Seoul, Kang didn’t fully devote himself to painting until his late 30s, but once he did, his meticulous, emotionally resonant work quickly gained international attention. He often reimagines iconic figures like Marilyn Monroe, Albert Einstein, and Vincent van Gogh, not to replicate them, but to capture something deeper about their character and legacy. His unique technique, which involves using tools like cotton swabs, drills, and even nails, allows him to bring out textures and details that evoke intense intimacy and presence.

Kang’s portraits often explore themes of identity, time, and the fragility of human experience. He has created aged versions of himself and famous figures, imagining them across different phases of life. His work has been exhibited in major institutions around the world, including the Singapore Art Museum and Arario Gallery in New York. One of his standout paintings, Vincent van Gogh in Blue, sold for a record-breaking price at Christie’s Hong Kong in 2007, marking a significant moment in his career. Through his art, Kang challenges viewers to look beyond the surface and consider the emotional and psychological layers that shape who we are.