The Workers of Euljiro 3ga

Oil on Canvas - 300cm x 175cm

Euljiro is is a district of Seoul known for its custom fabrication skills and experience, responsible for the development of every aspect of modern Seoul. This intertwined network of workshops and laborers are a cultural landmark of the city. With Seoul’s lightning development, older neighborhoods with valuable properties like Euljiro are lined up for demolition to clear the way for new construction.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Mr.Jo and some of the fabricators of Euljiro. We had mutual interest in having his community documented before the incoming development. He called up a friend who called up a friend who called up a friend who helped organize a photoshoot of twenty-four of the workers.

This was the largest canvas I’ve ever built, 300cm long by 175cm tall (about 10’ long). It is home to 24 portraits.

I brought the painting to Euljiro 3ga on Friday, March 11th 2022 to show the workers, a pop-up, outdoor exhibition.