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KOKO is a Los Angeles based artist, architect and designer. He holds a Masters in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University, where he graduated with honors in design excellence. His experience includes both group and solo exhibitions. His art is an ongoing collection of work exploring the dialogue between art and architecture. His work displayed from New York to Los Angeles is regularly showcased at local galleries. In addition to his ongoing work in art, Koko currently holds a full-time design position with architect Frank Gehry at Gehry Partners LLP in Los Angeles.
His attraction to architecture developed through painting. The relationship between the two disciplines is the underpinning force that drives his work. His architectural education influenced the development of ideas and concepts as the core of his paintings.
Koko began his art education at an early age. Son of a Chef and Fashion Designer, his parents encouraged his talents. He received formal training as a painter by way of private instruction, the atelier method. For years painting has been the primary medium of his work.
The body of work and process of painting for Koko has always been a collective dynamic. Each painting and its subject matter is part of a larger process or idea that is in continuous inquiry. The exploration of form and built environments is referenced to the human body. Figures are a dominant element in his paintings. This relationship of the figure to context creates an abstraction of narratives both fictional and historical. His paintings create, document and examine peoples, sense of place and criticality of borders.
His collections include a series on Musicians, Wedding Ceremonies, Landscapes and upcoming works inspired by Opera. His bold splashes of color, and vibrant energy attract a strong connection to their viewers. The work is abstract, contemporary and unique to tradition of classical painting.
Koko’s paintings have been exhibited in France as well as the U.S. His recent collections were acclaimed at the Las Vegas and Palm Springs Art Expositions. He also has numerous works in private collections. He is regularly exhibited at Stephanie’s Art Gallery in La Canada where he will exhibit his current work.
Since his time at Columbia, Koko has also created works using modes of digital fabrication for installation pieces. In 2008, he co-founded Nan.Ko Studio, a collaboration dedicated to developing built concepts at the scale of installations. In 2009, Nan.Ko Studio was invited to participate in Montpellier, France for the Festival Of Lively Architecture as well as the DesCours Exhibition in New Orleans for the American Institute of Architects.
Koko continues his work at Gehry Partners and participates independently in exhibitions as well as collaborations with his painting and installation pieces. His recent catalogue of work can be found at his online archive at www.atelierkoko.com as well as www.stephaniesartgallery.com
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