MIGUEL CHOI

Miguel Choi is an American illustrator whose work delves into atmosphere and spirituality. Influenced by artists such as Kazuki Takamatsu, Alphonse Mucha, Étienne-Louis Boullée, Jorge Cocco, Gustave Doré, and Vilhelm Hammershøi, his art strives for a sense of reverence and quiet monumentality.

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As stated previously, spirituality is central to Miguel’s work; he believes that art in any medium — paintings, music, film, and so on — fires on all cylinders when it goes beyond simple aesthetics and strives towards the ideal; the light of virtue standing against the darkness of corruption and nihilism, for instance. 

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Miguel’s concepts draw inspiration from filmmakers who explore themes such as faith, philosophy, and the human condition, including Andrei Tarkovsky (Solaris, Andrei Rublev) and Terrence Malick (A Hidden Life, To the Wonder). He is equally inspired by the likes of Paul Clipson (Cruel Optimism, Spectral Ascension), Peter B. Hutton (Landscape for Manon, Skagafjördur), and Hugo Verlinde (Bételgeuse, Altaïr), whose experimental and photographic works exude atmosphere and encourage meditation.

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Music plays a crucial role in his ideas as well, with inspirations ranging anywhere from luminous and uplifting (“Shelter” by Alcest, “Give Me Rest” by Hands) to the somber and immense (“Ashen” by Humanity’s Last Breath, “Monotony Fields” by Shape of Despair). His  palette includes progressive and atmospheric metal, ambient soundscapes, and orchestral works, with a frequent rotation of other bands and artists including Anathema, Silent Planet, Kalandra, Lustmord, Olhava, Lowercase Noises, and Sigur Rós.

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Through his work, Miguel seeks to intertwine the sacred and the mysterious, using the digital and mixed-media tools at his disposal to bring his creations to light.