Into the World of Print and Textile Artist
Hwawon Cho
A mini interview with Textile and Print artist HWAWON CHO.
In a patchwork of vibrant colours and abstract shapes Hwawon creates a world of fascinating fragments. Full of energy, atmosphere and beauty.
Meet Hwawon Cho at our upcoming Edinburgh market, next Sunday 6th April at Fruitmarket Gallery 10am - 5pm | Entry Free
How would you describe your art?
I see the world not as a singular, solid mass, but as a tapestry woven from countless precious elements. That’s why I often fragment colours, allowing each to shine in its own quiet, vibrant way. I explore simplified forms and geometric structures to capture the essence of complex ideas while adding playful details.
Like Henri Matisse’s late drawings, I believe that open spaces and clean lines bring rhythm and life to a piece, showing that true expression doesn’t need to be overcomplicated. When I first encountered Mark Rothko’s paintings in a book, I was captivated by how simple layers of colour could evoke such profound emotional depth. I’m equally fascinated by how tiny dots in the works of Whanki Kim and Georges Seurat merge to form images, revealing that the world isn’t made of solid blocks of colour, but rather countless fragments coming together as a whole. This way of seeing informs my approach - deconstructing, distilling, and reimagining them in a way that highlights their beauty and meaning.
What inspires you?
I draw inspiration from many sources - news, books, poems, podcasts, and music - but nature, with its infinite beauty, remains my greatest influence. I often use its forms as symbols to communicate my messages.
In my recent project The Light of Nature, I explored my fear of losing landscapes I hold dear, shaped by environmental change and conflict. I captured them to soothe my anxiety, holding on to their beauty before it fades. Similarly, in 2100: Rhythm of Nature, I envisioned a sustainable future, where dandelion seeds flutter through the air, carrying symbols of regeneration, freedom, and the endless cycle of life.
Motifs from nature - mountains, flowers, the moon, the sun, clouds, and butterflies - frequently appear in my work, each one embodying themes of harmony, simplicity, serenity, nostalgia, and vulnerability. The natural rhythms and geometric patterns in the world around me also guide my use of repetition, creating a quiet, meditative flow that mirrors the cycles of life itself.
What is your design process like?
My process is fluid, not rigid. I capture my surroundings through photos and jot down keywords that reflect my emotions. Later, I revisit these notes, experimenting with colours and shapes in different mediums. Refining simplified forms and geometric structures takes time and balance, and often, these drawings evolve into larger projects.
I also gather inspiration from various sources, collecting images and words for future ideas. When my direction becomes clear, I create a brief and seek the symbols that will best convey my message.
EXPLORE the work of Hwawon Cho on Instagram an through her Web Store
Meet Hwawon alongside a curation of 35 independent makers at our upcoming Market in Edinburgh. Come say hello! This Sunday 6th April at Fruitmarket Gallery on Market St, next door to Waverley Station, doors from 10am.
Entry will be free - find out more here
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