U.S. artist exhibits in Seoul

Aaron Cossrow poses with his artwork at the opening of his Itaewon Paradise exhibition at Living Room in Haebangchon, Saturday. / Courtesy of John Redmond

By John Redmond

American artist Aaron Cossrow is currently exhibiting his unique take on Seoul nightlife-inspired art titled “Itaewon Paradise” at the Living Room in Haebangchon, Seoul, for three weeks.

The Philadelphia native who majored in industrial design at the University of the Arts has blended a graphic novel style illustration with locally inspired scenarios, peppered with faces and characters that frequent the not-so-travel-guide-friendly side of inner Seoul life.

Spending much of his time observing the late-night areas of Seoul, Cossrow brings locals and foreigners to an almost alien existence. The bars and restaurants in his pictures are like spaces from another planet.

The Korea Times spoke with Cossrow about his work and inspiration on the opening night of his exhibition.

Q: How would you describe your art?

A: The art is an illustrated documentation of Itaewon, through the lens of a distorted fantasy. The art is a journal, without the words. I live and work in Itaewon. I’m from the U.S., so I find beauty in the detail.

Q: When did you decide to expand on this style?

A: It all began as a journal, both writing and drawing experiences here. Slowly, more detail and visual expression began to take over the writing.

Q: What themes do you like to explore?

A: I enjoy the nightlife and the characters of Itaewon, so they are the subjects I most enjoy to explore. I have a strange imagination and have always enjoyed fantasy, everything medieval, so those elements also appear in my work. Seoul Pub is a great example of the energy and people. Mildly dark with a long history.

Q: Do other artists influence you?

A: I’m inspired by a million artists, most who have strong visual and illustrative skills.

Q: Do you have any future projects? If yes, what? If no, why not?

A: As life moves forward, other people, places and influences will be explored in the illustrative documentation.

To get to Living Room, leave exit 2 of Noksapyeong Station. Walk straight to the intersection and veer left at the kimchi pots. Walk about 400 meters up the hill. The Living Room is on the right in the basement.

For more information, visit the “Itaewon Paradise” event page on Facebook.