“In the series “Existing in Costume”, Chan-Hyo Bae has chosen the iconography of queenliness to express his feelings as an Asian immigrant. He dresses in period costumes and photographs himself as unidentified members of English aristocracy from the 13th to 19th centuries (all the works are untitled). His self-portraits mimic women monarchs only and are an examination of gender, power, race, and class. Living and working in London since 2004, Bae’s large format color prints reflect feelings of cultural estrangement and reveal a fantasized character that would be accepted and honored.”

Chan-Hyo Bae Lives and works in London. He was born in Korea, in 1975

I can’t help thinking of a crossover between Cindy Sherman and Yinka Shonibare. Love the Korean artists.

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