Ryoo Hyungwon is a South Korean photographer and visual artist. He is best known for his work in fashion, portraiture, and documentary photography.
Born in Seoul, South Korea in 1983, Ryoo Hyungwon developed an interest in photography at an early age. He began taking pictures of his friends and family with a point-and-shoot camera he received as a gift from his parents. After graduating from high school, he enrolled at the Seoul Institute of the Arts to study photography.
During his time at the institute, Ryoo Hyungwon developed a unique style of photography that combined elements of fashion and documentary photography. His work often featured candid shots of everyday life in South Korea as well as portraits of people from all walks of life. After graduating from the institute, he began working as a freelance photographer for various magazines and newspapers.
In recent years, Ryoo Hyungwon has become increasingly well-known for his work in fashion photography. He has shot campaigns for some of the world’s leading fashion brands such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton. His work has also been featured in numerous international publications including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle Magazine.
In addition to his commercial work, Ryoo Hyungwon continues to pursue personal projects that explore themes such as identity and belonging. His photographs have been exhibited around the world including at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.
Ryoo Hyungwon’s work has earned him numerous awards including the International Photography Award (IPA) for Best Fashion Photographer (2015) and the Sony World Photography Award (2016). He currently lives and works in Seoul where he continues to push boundaries with his unique vision of contemporary photography.