Whitestone Gallery Singapore is excited to present Story Keepers: Tales and Traditions, an exhibition that celebrates the enduring influence of storytelling across Japan. Through contemporary art, the show explores themes of transformation, spirituality, and identity, offering new interpretations of traditional stories. It examines how ancient folklore has evolved and continues to resonate in the modern world.

Known for his Box-Head character, artist C.K. Koh addresses themes of hope, truth, and the ongoing battle between right and wrong through children's books and illustrations, while reflecting on contemporary societal issues. In this interview, we speak with Koh about his artistic journey, creative process, and the deeper meanings behind his work.

Your character “Box-Head” was apparently created from the Pandora’s Box myth; what was that ideation process like?

The concept of my Box-Head character was born from a period of deep self-doubt when I questioned my own worth and identity. I was drawn to the idea that the value of a box was determined by what it contains inside. This realization became the foundation of my character—the Box-Head figure that sat inside a box, signifying that we exist within our own value system, shaped by our experiences, thoughts, and self-perception.

Visually, the Box-Head character embodies both containment and possibility. The open box suggests self-exploration, an invitation to step beyond perceived limits, yet it also reflects the vulnerabilities and uncertainties of navigating one’s place in the world. The character’s neutral expression, neither fully sad nor joyful, mirrors the introspective nature of this journey. Creating this character opened up an entirely new perspective for me, like unlocking a Pandora’s box of endless possibilities. It became a metaphor for curiosity and self- discovery—much like Pandora herself, who couldn’t resist looking inside to see what  else could be contained. 

Even though it sometimes brought more questions than answers, this pursuit of discovery kept me inspired. Since then, I have continued to explore this idea, allowing my Box-Head character to evolve as an extension of my artistic and personal journey.

"Peekaboo" 2022, 120.0 × 180.0cm, Oil on Linen Canvas

 Your recent series of works portray your Box-Head fighting and wrestling with string and fierce animals, could you tell us the main message behind that series?

My latest series is my second exploration of Lucha Libre, following my Lucha X Libre series from 15 years ago. I have always been fascinated by the vibrant masks and acrobatic moves of Lucha Libre wrestlers. Their masks are sacred symbols, representing their identity and the roles they embody throughout their entire professional lives. This unwavering dedication has always moved me deeply.

After so many years, the urge to revisit this subject matter never subsided—instead, it grew even stronger within me. This time, I removed the arena ring and placed them in a night jungle setting, where they fight wild beasts that symbolize the relentless struggles we all face daily. Each creature represents the different battles every human encounters, as well as the various reasons we fight. I believe every viewer can find a piece of themselves in this series, resonating with their own personal struggles and triumphs.

"Majestic Duel" 2024, 120 x 120cm, Oil on Linen Canvas

You have also published children's books using this character, what led you to do so?

I started creating children's books featuring my Box-Head character when my son was born. I had stories I wanted to tell him, so I turned them into books. That was also the first time my character was given a name—Box Boy. Originally, the character in my paintings represented me, but Box Boy became more than that—a symbol of dreams and hope.

Through these books, I wanted to revisit the world from a child's perspective, embracing their sense of wonder, curiosity, and limitless imagination.

Do you believe that your Box-Head character along with its different series, all reflect different aspects of yourself? How so?

Definitely. Every series I've created reflects different aspects of myself at various stages of my life.

Pandora's Box was about opening the box and examining different phenomena in our society; Lucha X Libre stemmed from my lifelong fascination with Lucha Libre masks. As a child, I was captivated by the debate surrounding wrestling-whether the fights were real or merely pre-staged performances; Ultraflat was born from my exposure and love of cartoons, manga and Japanese tokusatsu during the 1980s, featuring icons like Ultraman, Kamen Rider, He-Man, etc; House of Stars explored my childhood experiences and exposure to pop culture while reflecting on family bonds. The installation of the village house was a joint effort between my father and me, making it deeply personal; The Wanderer series marked a shift in my focus toward the world, particularly nature, after my art residency in Hangzhou and the COVID-19 pandemic. It was during this time that I started to think more deeply about the relationship between humans and nature, and how our existence is intertwined with the natural world.

Each series in my work reflects a different stage of my life and the experiences that shaped me. While I delve into personal reflections and societal observations, I approach them with a sense of playfulness and whimsy—choosing to see the world through a child’s eyes, full of curiosity and wonder.

"Bogged Down" 2023, 110.0 × 155.0cm, Oil on linen canvas

May I know what your future hopes are with the continuation of Box-Head, and do you ever see yourself creating any new characters?

Box Boy has grown beyond just a character in my work—it has become a symbol, a voice, and an alter ego that expresses thoughts, dreams, and emotions. Over the years, this figure has taken on different forms, including Box Girl, whom I painted in 2022. Or like the latest Lucha Lucha series, where it appears more masculine and masked. Box Boy is not just a reflection of me but a universal vehicle—anyone can be Box Boy, as it represents the curiosity, dreams, and uncertainties that exist in all of us. 

I believe that everyone carries a child within them—a part of themselves that remains curious, hopeful, and full of wonder. Through my work, I hope to awaken that inner voice, sparking a quiet conversation between the viewer and their purest, most unguarded self.

Authenticity is at the heart of everything I create. My work is not about chasing trends or crafting illusions but rather an honest exploration of emotions, memories, and the human experience. Whether through Box Boy or the narratives I build, I want my art to resonate on a deeply personal level—inviting people to reconnect with their imagination, their dreams, and perhaps even a part of themselves they may have forgotten.

Curious about the different characters C.K. Koh has created? 

Visit Story Keepers: Tales and Traditions at Whitestone Gallery Singapore to uncover the imaginative world of his Box Head character and explore the deeper themes of hope, truth, and societal reflection woven into his unique artistic vision.

Story Keepers: Tales and Traditions