Jaehong An, born in Milan in 1988 to a Korean opera singer father and a special effects makeup artist mother, was immersed in the arts from an early age. His exposure to his father's opera performances and his mother's hyper-realistic creations sparked his fascination with the blurred lines between reality and illusion. While studying film directing and theater in South Korea, he created an award-winning fake documentary, which marked the beginning of his exploration into the boundary between reality and virtuality.
During his master’s studies at Hongik University in Seoul, An, under the guidance of Professor David Hall, delved deeper into the intersection of art, technology, and social significance. He researched how virtual spaces could be crafted to feel real, enhancing artistic expression. Influenced by artists like László Moholy-Nagy and Wassily Kandinsky, An’s work aims to disrupt conventional perceptions and challenge viewers to think beyond the visual surface.
In 2023, An’s work was prominently featured at major exhibitions such as the Gwangju Design Biennale and the Seoul Light Festival, where his pieces provoked reflection on the nature of reality. He believes that art should transcend mere decoration, offering viewers new ways to perceive and interpret the world. Often incorporating personal elements, like the recurring use of his spouse's face, An's art fosters universal empathy and encourages audiences to rethink their preconceived notions of reality.