Talking Points: Do Ho Suh

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Do Ho Suh is a South Korean artist who works in sculpture, installation, and drawing. Best known for his life-size fabric recreations of places he has lived, he explores identity, belonging, and how we move through the world around us.

Using translucent bright fabrics and capturing every detail in his replicated spaces and objects, the installations have both a real and ghost-like feeling.

Explore Do Ho Suh’s process and artwork using the sources below, then discuss the questions provided.

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Do Ho Suh

Through his immersive installations, Suh poses questions about home, identity and the way we interact and move through the world. 

“With immersive artworks exploring belonging, collectivity and individuality, connection and disconnection, Suh examines the intricate relationship between architecture, space, the body, and the memories and the moments that make us who we are.” – Tate

Do Ho Suh – Staircase III

Questions for Students

If ‘transitional’ means ‘a process of change’, what do you think a transitional space could be?

Why do you think Do Ho Suh recreated this specific staircase?

Staircase III is designed in a way that allows it to adapt to the gallery space it is exhibited. Why is this important?


How might changes in the light affect how you view Staircase III?

Why does Do Ho Suh use translucent fabrics?


Why is Do Ho Suh interested in transitional spaces?

How would you describe the sculpture? Consider the material and scale. 

Do you like the sculpture? How does it make you feel?  

Do Ho Suh: “Rubbing / Loving”

Questions for Students

Can you describe what Do Ho Suh is doing in this video?

Why is this specific apartment so important to Do Ho Suh?

What do you think Do Ho Suh is trying to capture by making rubbings from the apartment?

What spaces do you remember the most?