Who is David Choe?

David Choe is a well-known name in the industry of art. His artistic journey is a story of innovation. His work, featuring the iconic bucktoothed whale, has left an indelible mark on graffiti art. He’s not only a painter but also a graphic novelis with his art gracing the pages of magazines like “Hustler” and “Vice.” . He explored the world of podcasting as the co-host of “DVDASA” alongside adult film star Asa Akira.
In this article, we will explore some interesting facts about David Choe. Let’s start.

What was Early Life & Career of David Choe?

David Choe was born in Los Angeles, California, on April 21, 1976. In his early years, David’s artistic journey began with drawing images from “Star Wars” and “G.I. Joe.”
David Choe had been drawing since a young age, but during his teenage years, he developed a fascination with graffiti. In 1990, Choe started to follow in the footsteps of his artistic inspirations, such as Mear One and Hex. As his talent grew, he transitioned into illustrating and writing for publications like Vice.

A Versatile Artist

He is recognized for the unique and distinctive bucktoothed whale that often appears in the world of graffiti art. His artistic talents have extended to collaborations with magazines such as “Hustler,” “Vice,” and “Ray Gun.” Additionally, he co-hosted the “DVDASA” podcast with adult film star Asa Akira.

Documentary and Exhibitions

Choe’s life was documented by Harry Kim, resulting in the 2008 documentary, “Dirty Hands: The Art and Crimes of David Choe.”  
In 2005, he had a solo exhibition at the Santa Rosa Museum of Contemporary Art. Choe’s art reached international audiences with exhibitions like “Gardeners of Eden” at Chelsea’s Jonathan LeVine Gallery in 2007 and “Murderous Heart” at the Lazarides Gallery in London and Newcastle the following year. His work was also displayed at the Museo Universario del Chopo in Mexico City in 2013.
In 2017, an invite-only exhibit, “The Choe Show,” took place in Koreatown. Beyond his art, Choe designed the cover for Jay-Z and Linkin Park’s 2004 “Collision Course” EP and provided his voice to the lead character in the 2007 animated film “We Are The Strange.”

Innovation and Recognition

David Choe’s artistic journey took a unique path. When traditional art galleries showed little interest in his work, he decided to display his art at the Melrose Avenue ice cream shop, Double Rainbow. The positive appreciation of people allowed him to exhibit his work for two years, adding new pieces as they were sold. In 2006, Choe self-published the graphic novel “Slow Jams,” and it later received the Xeric Grant, which provided $5,000 for an expanded edition of 1,000 copies. His work was published in 1999.

What is David Choe Net Worth?

David Choe’s diverse talents and artistic contributions have earned him an estimated net worth of approximately $300 million. His work spans various forms of art, from painting to literature and even documentary filmmaking. He has also made appearances on several television programs, showcasing his talent and versatility in the creative world.

What are Television Appearances of David Choe?

Aside from his contributions to the art world, David Choe has made appearances on various television shows, including “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown” (2013), “Vice” (2014), “Better Things” (2019), and “The Mandalorian” (2021).

What are Controversies and Apologies of David Choe?

David Choe, in 2014, acknowledged on his podcast that he had acted in a way that a masseuse would have found offensive. Later, he made it clear that the podcast should be regarded as a fictional work.
In 2017, his commission to paint the Bowery Mural Wall led to protests from several artists. Artist Jasmine Wahi expressed concerns about normalizing harmful behaviour, stating,
“Our aim is to provoke widespread rejection of the continued normalization of rape culture by bringing visibility to the topic.”
David Choe publicly apologized for his past comments.

What is the Filmography of David Choe?

• Thumbs Up! documentary web series, VBS.TV (2007–2010)
• The Last Dinosaur of the Congo with David Choe, VBS.TV (2011)
• We Are the Strange (voice of the character Rain), independent animated film by M dot Strange (2007)
• Dirty Hands: The Art and Crimes of David Choe, documentary film (2008)
• Vice, “50 Shades of Sasha Grey: How She Got into Porn & More” (appearance as Grey’s friend) (2010)
• Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, “Koreatown, Los Angeles,” season 1, episode 2 (2013)
• DVDASA podcast web show, starring B-Trivia, David Choe and porn superstar Asa Akira (2013)
• Vice, season 2, episodes 3, 6 and 11 (2014)
• The Mandalorian, season 2, episode 1 ” Chapter 9: The Marshal” as a ringside spectator (2020)
• The Choe Show (2021-Present)
• Beef, as Isaac Cho (2023)

How Did David Choe Earn His Money?

David Choe, a renowned painter and graffiti artist, primarily earns his income from the sale of his artworks, which constitutes about 90% of his earnings. According to some sources, in 2023, his paintings are estimated to be sold in a price range of $199 to $32,760 at exhibitions. 
But his most significant earnings came during a crucial period in his life when he worked for Facebook and was paid with company stock. These shares are currently valued at almost $200 million, according to estimates.

Who is David Choe?

David Choe is a versatile artist and pop culture figure known for his distinctive graffiti-inspired style. His work often explores themes related to animals, sexuality, and urban life.

How has David Choe’s art career evolved over the years?

Traditional art galleries initially showed little interest in his work, so he chose to display his art in an ice cream shop called Double Rainbow on Melrose Avenue. This unconventional approach garnered significant attention and allowed him to exhibit his work there for two years.

What is the significance of David Choe’s exhibitions and artistic style?

Various exhibitions, both nationally and internationally, have featured David Choe’s art. Including at renowned galleries like the Jonathan Levine Gallery in Chelsea and the Lazarides Gallery in London and Newcastle. His art often explores diverse themes, reflecting a progression from his roots in graffiti art to a celebrated artist sought after by influential figures. 

What are some of David Choe’s artistic themes and styles?

David Choe’s art often explores themes related to animals, sexuality, and urban life. He characterizes his style with dynamic and graffiti-inspired elements, creating artwork that is both vibrant and distinctive.

In summary, David Choe’s fascinating journey from a graffiti-inspired artist to a versatile creative figure has left a lasting impact on the art world. David Choe net worth of around $300 million primarily comes from the sale of his distinctive artworks and exhibitions. His career spans various creative endeavors, including painting, literature, and documentary filmmaking. Despite encountering controversies, Choe’s influence on art and culture is undeniable.