Within smooth, powerful curves are vibrant patterns arranged with a life of their own."The distinctive design, composed of seven "cells" resembling biological structures, transcends the canvas, extending into three-dimensional forms and even invading the surrounding space.

Ahhi Choi draws inspiration from street culture and the grandeur of nature, transforming these influences into artistic expression. How far will the "AHHI pattern," with its irresistible charm that makes people want to wear or carry it, continue to expand? To explore the creative process and the ultimate vision behind it, we interviewed Ahhi.

Growing Inspiration

AHHI CHOI：365 inspiration/Whitestone Ginza New Gallery

– Where did the idea for the distinctive "AHHI pattern" originate?

Ahhi: To be honest, it came about by chance. This shape emerged when I returned to Japan from LA and found myself unable to paint. Seeking peace of mind, I visited Tōdai-ji Temple in Nara. The moment I stepped into the hall, a wave of inspiration just poured over me. This shape surfaced in my mind, and that’s how I began to draw it. Initially, I used a brush pen to create it.

Each section is individually divided, which is why I aptly call them "cells”. Within each cell, there’s a pattern connected by a series of dots—this was the original design. As I continued drawing, other patterns like jagged shapes and diagonal lines began to emerge, evolving naturally over time. It didn’t start out as the final form it is today.

I’ve been drawing this pattern for 15 years now, and there are currently seven different designs. I can say for certain that the number won’t decrease. While it’s possible the designs might increase in the future, I feel that the balance between the seven is perfect and satisfying to me, so I plan to stick with these seven for the time being.

AHHI CHOI：365 inspiration/Whitestone Ginza New Gallery

– Could you please explain the painting process of your works?

Ahhi: There are various approaches I take, but for the pattern tied to the title of my current solo exhibition, "365 Inspiration," I draw from the colors and imagery I encounter in my daily life. This might include displays, designs, cityscapes, or natural landscapes like mountains and skies. I carefully capture each piece of visual information and incorporate it into my work. Reflecting these colors is a defining feature of this year’s series.

For monochrome works, I often rely on automatic drawing. Without forming an image beforehand, I jump straight into sketching directly onto the canvas.

I also have a process where I create works inspired by my dreams. Sometimes, I dream of unfamiliar spaces where my art is displayed, and I’m having a conversation with someone in front of it. I observe this scene from a third-person perspective, taking in details like the scale of the people and the artwork, its colors, shapes, and materials. As soon as I wake up, I jot down these dream memories, which become the foundation for the piece. Interestingly, there have been occasions where situations from my dreams materialized years later.

What all my works have in common is that they are constructed using a combination of seven distinct patterns.

– Could you elaborate on the steps that you typically follow?

Ahhi: I don’t use sketches; I dive straight into drawing. For me, the smoothness of the lines is incredibly important, so I use markers to create a single, beautiful, and satisfying line. When you use a brush with paint, it’s not possible to draw an uninterrupted line indefinitely—the flow tends to break at some point. That’s why I start by drawing the lines with a marker, and then I work on filling them in. I try to minimize smudges, unevenness, or inconsistencies in color as much as possible.

‘AHHI Patterns’ x Everyday Moments

AHHI CHOI：365 inspiration/Whitestone Ginza New Gallery

– The 2nd floor exhibition this time features an installation where the AHHI pattern seems to invade the space. This is a new approach for you. Why did you decide to create three-dimensional works?

Ahhi: This time, I “hijacked” everyday objects such as pots, skateboards, benches, and bags, covering them entirely with my patterns. I was really curious to see what kind of chemical reactions would occur when I did this. How would people perceive them? And how would I see them myself? I thought it would be great if people could enjoy experiencing that.

AHHI CHOI《Untitled AH-466》2024,Panel acrylic on canvas,65.2 × 53.0 cm

– Besides your three-dimensional works, are there any other new approaches you've taken?

Ahhi: Yes, the series featuring gray tones displayed on the second floor is something new I started this year. For me, I actually consider gray to be a color. Up until now, my monochrome series, like the benches, had been strictly black and white. However, the theme of this exhibition revolves around the colors found in everyday life, so the overall concept is full-color. When incorporating this into my work, I view the colors through a monochrome filter and depict them as shades of gray, which serve as intermediate tones.

The reason for this is that when something is rendered in monochrome, it allows the viewer to assign their own colors to it. With full-color works, people can only perceive the actual colors presented. But when filtered through monochrome, the viewer might imagine that a dark gray area represents purple, or perhaps red—it varies from person to person. I find it fascinating that the color interpretation of the artwork changes depending on who sees it.

It's not something we usually think about in our daily lives, but by sharing that kind of sensory experience, I wanted to bring more color into people's lives through "365 Inspiration."

The Land’s Palette: Colors Inspired by the Journey

AHHI CHOI：365 inspiration/Whitestone Ginza New Gallery

– What inspired your journey as an artist?

Ahhi: After graduating from university, I spent two years in Korea and then three years studying abroad in LA. About six months before my time in LA was up, I suddenly started drawing. In the U.S., I had become captivated by the overwhelming landscapes and the raw power of nature in national parks. I decided to explore urban life as well, so I spent two weeks in New York. However, I found it incredibly uncomfortable—the freezing cold, the unfamiliar subway system, and the close proximity to other people felt overwhelming.

When I returned to LA, I wanted to somehow express what I had experienced in New York. That’s when I started sketching the scenes I had seen using a mechanical pencil on the back of a page-a-day calendar I happened to have.

One day, my friend came over, saw my drawings, and ended up giving me some art supplies. As I kept drawing, another friend suggested I hold a solo exhibition at a café. With the encouragement and support of so many people, I’ve continued creating art, which has led me to where I am today.

AHHI CHOI：365 inspiration/Whitestone Ginza New Gallery

– You recently held a solo exhibition in Korea, now one in Japan, and next year you have one planned in Taiwan. What are your aspirations moving forward?

Ahhi: When I attended Art Taipei recently, I stayed a bit longer and did some classic sightseeing. Through that experience, I felt like I got a slightly deeper understanding of Taiwan beyond just the surface-level impressions I had before. As part of the “365 Inspiration” series, I really want to create works that incorporate the colors of Taiwan.

I’d love to produce pieces that, when viewed by the people of Taiwan, make them say, “Oh, that’s the color of that place.” By weaving in elements tied to Taiwan, I hope to present works that resonate with the local culture and colors.

– Is there anything you’d like to wrap your patterns around next?

Ahhi: Airplanes. Next year marks the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and South Korea. I’m a third-generation Zainichi Korean, born and raised in Japan, and as someone who exists in the space between these two cultures, I’d love to contribute in a way that fosters positive connections.

If I could design a wrapping for an airplane traveling between Japan and Korea, and it actually flew, I think it would serve as a literal bridge between the two countries.

I believe this is exactly the kind of moment where art can make a difference. Of course, it’s important to sustain a living through what I do, but there are things that are probably even more important—things that only people like us, in our unique position, can do. If I have the chance to take on work like this, I want to embrace it wholeheartedly.

AHHI CHOI

Ahhi Choi’s works bring a newfound vibrancy and sense of discovery to everyday life after being experienced. The spaces he creates, which ignite imagination and inspiration, convey a powerful sense of connection that transcends borders. It’s an experience worth seeing in person—don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in his art.

Online Exhibition: 365 inspiration