Terence Koh is no holds barred when it comes to self-expression. A conceptualist, an artist, a poet, a New York City character that is not like the rest of us. Through his art, his personal style, and even through his emails, there is a voice unlike any other; an unparalleled abstruseness that either captivates you or makes you go WTF?
Koh has the ability to make people think and talk. Though not the easiest to fathom, he is intriguing and talented (seems like the formula for many great artists). What sets him apart from other artists is the fact that for Koh, there is no medium off limits. He is able to chanel his thoughts and ideas through drawing, performance art, painting…the list can extend farther than his eclectic wardrobe. He’s a free-spirited individual, but also very hardworking. Between exhibitions, installations and being the owner of his downtown gallery, Asia Song Society(A.S.S) he never ceases to share his creativity and esotericism with the world.
I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Terence. He is one of the sweetest and multi-faceted people that I have had the pleasure of interviewing. He was able to walk me though the concept behind his personal style and his art, AND he even wrote a poem for yours truly.
self-portrait of Terence Koh
Amy: Who is Terence Koh and what is he about?
Terence: terence koh is the name that my father and my mother chose for me. i have often wondered why they chose terence but have never asked them. but i like to think that your name is given to you as a gift and i like to think of the person with the name terence as being quiet and shy and sensitive. but my last night which rhymes like cold makes me cold too. i am always cold, and i always wish it was warmer. i wish it was always a summer heat wave. so terence koh is about wishing it was always too hot.
A: You seem to be a holistic artist, with your photography, performance art, poetry, etc. But is there a particular medium that speaks to you the most?
T: yes. drawing is the most important for me. cause you draw from memory, which is already there. so its easy. and i like things to be easy. i hope all things to be easy. it is not always though, or really its usually not.
A: What message(s) do you try to convey through your art?
T: it is the story of your life. when you look at a piece of art it is your story right there told to you by art. that is the beauty of art.
A: Many appreciate your sense of style and your willingness to push boundaries. Some people, on the other hand, just don’t get it. How would you characterize your style?
T: i would tink its animal like. when i put on different clothes i become more animal like depending on the clothes. the less clothes, i feel like a lion. layers and layers and i become more like a mole.
A: Are there any parallels between your perspective on fashion and your approach to art?
T: it is the same thing. when you look at fashion its also there, your story for the world to see.
A: Where is Terrence Koh 10 years from now?
T: terence koh would still be sitting here on a white table on a white chair wearing a black sweater and black pants and white tank top and light blue criss cross boxers.
A: If you could be re-incarnated, what would you want to be?
T: i would wish not to have another life. that is very scary. this is all that could ever bee.
A: If you had to write a poem about Amy, how would it go?
T: Amy Sang A Song
Amy sang a song longer than breakfast
Amy sang a song that was a cheetah sleeping
Amy sang a song and it was the sun
Amy is blind
Amy is blind
