KC Ho

My journey to becoming a painter has been a deeply fulfilling and transformative experience. I grew up in a small village in south east Asia, where the community was predominantly of Chinese descent. Throughout my education in Malaysian Chinese schools, I always gravitated toward painting over studying the Chinese language. While some teachers and classmates saw this as a departure from tradition, it was in this choice that I began to discover the power of art to help me understand myself and the world around me.Later, I moved to the United States to pursue engineering degrees, where I uncovered new layers of my identity, particularly as I came to terms with being both gay and Asian. This period of self-discovery has been an essential part of my journey toward self-acceptance and self-love.

My visual language draws on a diverse array of influences, including queerness, Asian cultural elements, healing rituals, and the essence of Asian man identity. These components intertwine to create a unique aesthetic that reflects both personal and collective narratives, emphasizing transformation, resilience, and connection. Through this fusion, my work explores themes of identity, spirituality, and cultural heritage, inviting viewers to engage with a layered and nuanced visual experience. I use colors and textures carefully in my paintings to stir emotions and show gentle changes. Each color and texture work together to tell a story, leading viewers through feelings of change, growth, and calm reflection. This layered style invites people to look closely and connect deeply, making the artwork a place for emotional and personal experience.