Terence Koh

Terence Koh is an Chinese-Canadian artist. He works in numerous non-conventional, hand-crafted media as well as more traditional ones. Koh's art is often controversial because it uses queer, punk, pornographic and other typically taboo themes. Koh's personality is outgoing and flamboyant, and he has been described as the "Naomi Campbell of the Art World."¹

Fast Facts

1. Born: 1977 in Beijing, China
2. Grew up in Vancouver, Canada
3. Currently based in New York City
4. Earned a Bachelor's degree from Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design
5. Also goes by the pseudonym, "asianpunkboy"
6. Traditional media used: Sculpture, prints, photography, live performance
7. Non-traditional media: Handmade books, zines, installations
8. Uses controversial themes and content in his artwork

British Conservative Party Controversy

In March, 2008, Koh's exhibit Gone, Yet Still sparked controversy within the United Kingdom's Conservative Party. Among 74 pieces, Koh included a statue of Jesus Christ with a visible erection. Conservative critics called for censure of the statue and for those who displayed it to be punished. Anita Zabludowicz currently owns the statue, and her husband Poju is a major contributor to the Conservative Party.²

Categories