David Heo, a Chicago-based artist, blends vibrant visuality with nuanced narratives, constructing layered compositions that intertwine mixed media, domestic interiors, and figurative imagery. Drawing on the dual legacies of American history and South Korean folklore, Heo’s practice examines the tensions between heroism and conflict, offering a poignant exploration of identity and belonging for Third-Culture Individuals.

​

Heo’s work operates at the intersection of abstraction and autobiography, navigating the complex interplay between Eastern and Western heritages. Identity serves as a pivotal axis in his practice as he reinterprets traditional South Korean motifs through contemporary frameworks. His approach is shaped by contrasts -- such as the spiritual symbolism of Korean art and the analytical insights of Jungian psychology. In doing so, Heo bridges historical traditions with modern cultural dialogues, creating an imagined world that transcends geographical and conceptual boundaries.

​

These themes extend seamlessly into Heo’s public commissions with notable collaborators such as Vans and L7 Hotel by Lotte. From murals to installations, his works recontextualize brand ethos through his distinctive visual language, highlighting the transformative power of public art to reshape collective spaces. Whether through an intimate work on paper or a large-scale installation, Heo invites viewers into moments of quiet reflection, fostering deeper engagement with their surroundings. Infused with a spirit of resilience and introspection, his art redefines the familiar phrase “stop and smell the roses,” offering reprieve and perspective amid life’s complexities.

.

​

​​​

David Heo (b. Georgia) currently resides in the artistic hub of Chicago and holds an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Noteworthy solo exhibitions punctuate Heo's artistic trajectory, with displays at esteemed venues including Hashimoto Contemporary, New York (2023); The Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, Grand Rapids (2023); Hashimoto Contemporary, San Francisco (2022); Vertical Gallery, Chicago (2021). Heo's creative footprint extends to esteemed group exhibitions, with his art gracing spaces like The Museum of Contemporary Photography, Chicago (2022); Half Gallery, Los Angeles (2022); Unit London, London (2020); and Abigail Ogilvy Gallery, Boston (2020).