Shin Chang Yong, Drive, 2005

Oil on canvas
73 x 117 cm
Condition: Very good

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Shin Chang Yong (Korean, b. 1977) is a contemporary artist whose work is deeply rooted in his love for superhero comics, cinema, and pop culture. He describes his practice as "fan art," with his recent works integrating superheroes and characters from various media into imaginative spaces, arranging them much like a film director would.

Shin’s work features cultural icons such as Bruce Lee and Kurt Cobain, as well as scenes from films like Kill Bill. In Nicholas Hoult (2016) and Kurt Cobain (2017), he portrays these figures in everyday settings, emphasising the idea that "we are not so different." When reinterpreting scenes from film – such as this one, where he features Jackie Chan (left) – he approaches them with a geeky sensibility, paying homage to his favourite directors.

Shin creates his fan art by blending imagery from mass media, collected during long periods of isolation, with his personal experiences and emotions. His approach continues to evolve as he reflects on shifting media trends and changing realities.

(Photographed in March 2025)