Ko IRKT is a painter from California who is based in New York City. IRKT collages mixed media onto the painted surface, reflecting traces of memories and associations that are experienced as fleeting moments within a densely populated urban environment. Having spent his youth in mega-cities such as Paris, Tokyo and London, the artist is inspired by a mix of cosmopolitan visual culture, advertisements and street art.

The artist’s acronym stands for Individual Relative K(c)ontradiction Theory and serves as the conceptual basis for his work that intersects with fine art, design and fashion. Identity and ethnicity are central to his practice, both being effects of globalization. The rabbit appears as a consistent motif in his work which has recently evolved from representing random logos and objects to a more expressive-based aesthetic. IRKT’s new work steps away from the coated acrylic canvas and presents each painting raw. By preserving particular moments of visual associations with sound, self and image the artist brings the viewer into these new moments of serendipity, also known as the Superficial Riot Series.

IRKT has been a member of the ConArtist Collective since 2011, and participated in The Lifecatching Project: a collaboration between ConArtist and NBC Universal that found and exhibited emerging contemporary artists. The artist also works with interior designer and exhibited at Design on a Dime 2013. IRKT presented the beginning of the Superficial Riot Series as part of a ConArtist Collective group show titled Problematic that took place at Brooklyn Fireproof in July 2013.

http://irktism.com/

Representing galleries

Tria Gallery, F.U.E.L.COLLECTION, THE BASEMENT Art Organization, ConArtist Collective Gallery

Exhibitions

2013 7/17-7/23″Problematic”, Brooklyn Fireproof, Brooklyn New York, NY Curated by Sessa Englund 4/25-4/27″Design on a DIME 2013″, Metropolitan Pavillion, Chelsea New York, NY Represented by Shields Company/ Tyler Design 3/13-4/3″Slap”, Adhesives & Egos a DIY Sticker Exhibition, New York, NY Represented by ConArtist 3/10-3/16 “J_ART 3rd”, Williamsburg Art & Historical Center, Brooklyn, NY Group Exhibition Curator: Hiro Shiraishi (Pepper’s Project Gallery) 2/8-2/15″Real Time”, Chelsea Private Studio New York, NY Represented by AS Studio / Group Exhibition

2012 9/13-12/8″C’EST QUOI LA FEMME?”, Tria Gallery New York, NY Group Exhibition 9/8-9/20″CONNIVAL”, New York, NY Represented by Chashama / Group Exhibition by member of ConArtist 7/25-9/9″20+ Artist Summer Show”, WIP New York, NY Group Exhibition by member of ConArtist 6/13-6/27″You Are My Favorite”, ConArtist Collective Gallery New York, NY Group Exhibition Curator: IRKT 4/26-4/28″Design on a Dime”, New York, NY Represented by Shields & Company Interior Design, NY 4/18-4/22″12th Annual Affordable Art Fair New York”, New York, NY Represented by Tria Gallery, NY at Booth #F-8 3/8-3/11 “Japan Benefit Silent Auction Art Show”, New York, NY Group Exhibition by member of ConArtist 3/2-3/11 “J_ART 2nd”, Williamsburg Art & Historical Center, Brooklyn, NY Group Exhibition Curator: Hiro Shiraishi (Pepper’s Project Gallery) 11/26-10/5 “IRKT”, New York, NY Solo Exhibition 11 NBC Universal “Life Catching Project”, New York, NY Group Exhibition by member of ConArtist – Koosuke IRKT Ikeda and Sara Zin’s and 6 artist’s pieces was showcased.

2011 9/26-10/5 “Con Artist Collective Group Show”, New York, NY Group Exhibition 8/30-9/27″ Best of Fall”, Housing Works, New York, NY Window designed curated Shields & Company interior design 8/11-9/10 “IRKT”, MIDOMA, New York, NY Solo Exhibition 5/23 “The Supper Club”, THE BASEMENT Art Organization, Brighton, UK Group Exhibition 5/5-5/7 “Design On A Dime”, Housing Works, New York, NY 50 of the world’s top interior designers benefit event 4/8 “Love Save JAPAN”, New York, NY a fund-raising event art event 3 Greenpoint Gallery, Brooklyn, NY Group Exhibition Curator: Shawn James 2/25-3/6 “J_ART”, Williamsburg Art & Historical Center, Brooklyn, NY Group Exhibition Curator: Hiro Shiraishi (Pepper’s Project Gallery)