Philsoo Heo

Philsoo Heo (b. 1993) is a South Korean ceramic artist currently based in Halle and Essen, Germany.

Heo’s artistic practice explores how individuals perceive their lives, particularly in relation to interpersonal relationships and social tensions. Drawing profound inspiration from nature, he adopts an ecological perspective that transcends anthropocentric viewpoints. Firewood frequently appears as central metaphors in his practice—represented as wounded beings in his ceramic sculptures—to articulate sentiments of unrest, emotional void, and the fragility of human existence.

Rather than embracing the societal push for relentless positivity without direction, Heo advocates for a conscious process of introspection and emotional healing. He believes that acknowledging one’s wounds is the foundation for personal transformation and trust. His artworks aim to offer moments of quiet solace amidst the fatigue and alienation of contemporary life.

Heo earned his Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Art and Design in South Korea in 2018, and later completed a Master of Fine Arts in Ceramics and Glass at the Institute for Artistic Ceramics and Glass (IKKG) at Koblenz University of Applied Sciences, Germany. Since earning his Master’s degree, Heo has continued his artistic practice through various ceramic residencies. From 2024 to 2026, he is advancing his research on his artworks as part of his Meisterschüler studies under Professor Martin Neubert at the Burg Giebichenstein University of Art and Design in Halle, Germany.

His work has received multiple recognitions in Germany, including the Apolline Prize from the GRASSI Museum in Leipzig and Second Prize at the BKV Prize in Munich (2024). He was also awarded “Talents – Masters of the Future” (2023), the Second Prize at the Richard-Bampi Prize, and a Special Prize at the Frechener Ceramics Award (2022). In 2024, several of Heo’s works were acquired by the GRASSI Museum für Angewandte Kunst in Leipzig and the Meissen Porcelain Museum for their permanent collections. His works are also held in various private collections.

Visit Philsoo Heo’s website and Instagram page.