JooYoung Choi

Journey to the Cosmic Womb

Much like battle scenes of superhero comic books, Journey into the Cosmic Womb depicts fantastical characters defending their planet from evil forces. While JooYoung Choi realized the world known as the Cosmic Womb during her graduate school studies, the imaginary universe existed long before her artistic career.

Adopted from South Korea by an American family, Choi spent much of her youth absorbing popular media such as film and animation. Through these encounters, the artist envisioned otherworldly narratives starring heroes that looked and acted like her, reflecting her personal experiences with adoption and racial difference in the United States.

After reuniting with her biological parents in South Korea, Choi emphasized world-building in her artist practice through a mix of media such as painting, sculpture, video art, and puppetry.

Through in-depth story development, Choi brings dozens of characters to life, such as Queen Kiok, the Cosmic Womb’s fearless leader, and Captain Spacia Tanno, a protagonist entity composed of black star matter. Both characters are seen in Journey into the Cosmic Womb on an intergalactic rescue mission to ensure freedom for all residents of the Cosmic Womb. The official motto of the Cosmic Womb emulates these notions of freedom and belonging: “Have faith, for you have always been loved.” Those who feel abandoned by earthly systems of power are welcomed into the Cosmic Womb, a paracosm defined by love and growth.