It's Saturday night, and the streets are teaming with action and I decided that it is time of course to get ready and just go into the heart of Daegu on my quest to find a few things...mainly an unknown artist. Oh, what made me think that in the heart of all of the Soju houses and Hofs I would find anything? However, at an establishment, called 'Old Skool' where a cross-section of ex-patriots and the local student population meets in Daegu...I saw something incredible.
In the states, Obama art, has been a cash cow. Here in Daegu, South Korea...at the entrance of Old Skool, I saw a work that perhaps made me a touch homesick. However, even more than a passing feeling, I was able to see firsthand the impact of his election. The artist that rendered this work goes by the name of 'Karma'. When we spoke, I asked him why he painted Obama. "He simply moves me," he said with a broad smile. The 35-year-old, former graffiti artist was commissioned to paint all over the walls of this club...a living canvas that reflects not just art, but the social issues of Daegu society.
Yes, there are some pieces that are a bit whimsical, and often he continues to paint over some work with new pieces, making this an ever changing canvas. However, his painting of Obama may be one of the first paintings that will be a permanent fixture at Old Skool.
From starting out with 'graphing', Karma is going to make his way into his first gallery showing this year. With pool cue in hand...Karma sends his greetings from Daegu.
