Discover the incredible net worth of American painter and graffiti artist David Choe, who has made a name for himself in the art world. With a net worth estimated at $300 million, Choe’s success is a testament to his talent and unique style. From his early life and art career to his involvement with Facebook and personal controversies, delve into the fascinating journey of David Choe. Find out more about David Choe’s net worth and his remarkable contributions to the art world here.
David Choe’s Impressive Net Worth
David Choe, the multi-talented American artist, has amassed a remarkable net worth throughout his career. With his diverse skills as a painter, graffiti artist, graphic novelist, and muralist, Choe’s net worth is estimated to be around $300 million. His distinctive style and iconic figure paintings have made him a prominent figure in the art world.
Choe’s journey to success has been nothing short of extraordinary. He has collaborated with renowned magazines such as “Hustler,” “Vice,” and “Ray Gun,” showcasing his artistic prowess to a wide audience. Apart from his artistic contributions, Choe co-hosted the popular “DVDASA” podcast with adult film star Asa Akira, further expanding his reach.
As an accomplished author, Choe has published several books, including “Slow Jams” (1999), “Bruised Fruit: The Art of David Choe” (2002), “Cursiv” (2003), and “David Choe” (2020). His work was also featured in the captivating documentary “Dirty Hands: The Art and Crimes of David Choe” (2008), which offers insights into his creative process and personal journey.
In addition to his contributions to the art world, Choe has made notable appearances on popular television series such as “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown” (2013), “Vice” (2014), “Better Things” (2019), and even the highly acclaimed “The Mandalorian” (2021).
The Lucrative Facebook Payday
One pivotal moment in David Choe’s career came when his graffiti work caught the attention of Facebook President Sean Parker in the early 2000s. Parker recognized Choe’s talent and commissioned him to decorate the walls of Facebook’s headquarters in Silicon Valley.
During the negotiation process, Choe initially requested a payment of $60,000 for his services. However, Parker proposed a unique arrangement that would prove to be incredibly lucrative for Choe. Instead of receiving cash, Parker suggested that Choe accept his fee in the form of company stock.
Choe agreed to the unconventional proposal, a decision that would ultimately yield significant financial rewards. While the exact number of shares he received remains undisclosed, it is estimated that Choe’s equity was worth approximately $200 million at the time of Facebook’s initial public offering (IPO).
Considering the remarkable growth of Facebook’s stock since its IPO, it is plausible that Choe’s holdings could have reached an impressive value of $300-500 million at various points in time.
A Glimpse into David Choe’s Early Life
David Choe’s journey to artistic acclaim began in Los Angeles, California, where he was born on April 21, 1976. Growing up in the vibrant Koreatown area, Choe’s parents, who were Korean immigrants and devout Christians, instilled in him a strong work ethic and creative spirit.
From a young age, Choe displayed a talent for drawing, often creating intricate images inspired by popular culture icons such as “Star Wars” and “G.I. Joe.” However, it was his exposure to the world of graffiti art and the influence of prominent Los Angeles graffiti artists Hex and Mear One that ignited his passion for this expressive form of art.
Choe’s path took an unexpected turn when his family’s real estate business fell victim to the devastating 1992 L.A. riots, leading him to drop out of high school. Seeking adventure and inspiration, he embarked on an incredible two-year journey, hitchhiking across America, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
Upon his return to California at the age of 21, Choe enrolled at the California College of the Arts. However, he eventually decided to pursue his artistic career independently and dropped out after two years, setting the stage for the remarkable artistic journey that awaited him.
A Thriving Art Career
David Choe’s art career is a testament to his undeniable talent and unwavering dedication. His unique style, characterized by vibrant colors and captivating imagery, has propelled him to great success in the art world.
Choe’s artistic journey began with his foray into graffiti, which eventually led to a week-long stint in prison. Undeterred, he embraced new opportunities and ventured into writing and illustrating for various magazines, including the influential publication, “Vice.”
One of Choe’s notable endeavors was his appearance in the “Vice” web series “Thumbs Up!” (2007–2010), where he embarked on adventurous journeys with his best friend, Harry Kim, hitchhiking and train-hopping across the United States and even hitchhiking across China.
Despite facing initial challenges in finding gallery representation for his work, Choe’s determination paid off. He displayed his artwork at the Melrose Avenue ice cream shop Double Rainbow, which garnered tremendous popularity. Each time a piece was sold, Choe would add a new creation to his exhibition, allowing his art to evolve continuously.
In addition to his visual art, Choe explored the realm of graphic novels. His self-published work, “Slow Jams,” gained recognition and received the Xeric Grant, providing him with the means to publish an expanded edition. The graphic novel became highly sought after, with copies selling for significant prices.
Throughout his career, Choe has held numerous solo exhibitions in cities such as San Francisco, San Jose, New York, London, and Mexico City. His work has captivated audiences worldwide, solidifying his position as a respected and influential artist.
A Complex Personal Life
While David Choe’s artistic achievements have brought him acclaim, his personal life has also been marked by certain controversies and experiences that have shaped him as an individual.
Choe has been actively involved in charitable endeavors, lending his support to organizations such as Yle Haiti, spearheaded by musician Wyclef Jean, and The LIDÈ Haiti Foundation, founded by “The Office” star Rainn Wilson and his wife, author Holiday Reinhorn. Through these initiatives, Choe has used his artistic talent to make a positive impact and uplift others.
However, Choe has faced challenges and made some regrettable decisions in the past. In the early 2000s, he found himself in a situation that led to a three-month prison sentence in Tokyo after an altercation with an undercover security guard. During his time in prison, Choe channeled his creativity, producing hundreds of drawings and even creating unconventional paintings using tea, soy sauce, blood, and urine.
In 2014, Choe stirred controversy when he made remarks on his podcast that were perceived as reflecting inappropriate behavior towards a masseuse. He later clarified that these remarks were intended as fictional storytelling. Choe has since expressed deep remorse for any hurt caused by his words and emphasized that non-consensual sex is never a subject to be joked about.
It is through self-reflection and growth that Choe continues to evolve both as an artist and as an individual, learning from past mistakes and striving for personal and artistic integrity.
A Remarkable Real Estate Journey
David Choe’s success extends beyond the art world and into the realm of real estate. In 2010, he purchased a magnificent 6,500 square-foot mansion in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles for $3.1 million.
As time went on, Choe’s real estate venture proved to be a wise investment. In September 2022, he listed the same property for an impressive $6.9 million, showcasing the significant appreciation in value over the years.
Choe’s foray into real estate exemplifies his ability to recognize opportunities for growth and diversify his portfolio. It is yet another testament to his astute business acumen and a reflection of the remarkable success he has achieved in various aspects of his life.