| Information | |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $300 million |
| Date of Birth | April 21, 1976 |
| Place of Birth | California |
| Profession | Painter, Graffiti Artist, Musician, Novelist |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in(1.73 m) |
| Gender | Male |
| Nationality | United States of America |
David Choe is a renowned American painter, graffiti artist, and graphic novelist known for his unique artistic style and the extraordinary journey that led him to amass a significant fortune. In this article, we’ll delve into David Choe’s net worth, his career achievements, family life, sources of income, and the controversies he’s been a part of over the years.
Short Bio – Famous For
David is famous for his remarkable journey as an artist and his pivotal role in decorating the early offices of Facebook, which ultimately led to a substantial financial windfall. Born on April 21, 1976, in Los Angeles, California, David Choe is now 47 years old.
Career & Achievement
David Choe’s career is a fascinating blend of street art, graphic novels, and even involvement with major tech companies. His journey began with graffiti in his teens, and he soon started illustrating and writing for various magazines, including Hustler, Ray Gun, and Vice. Choe’s raw and frenetic artistic style is known as the “dirty style.”
However, his career took an unexpected turn when he was commissioned to decorate the walls of Facebook’s headquarters in Silicon Valley by none other than Facebook President Sean Parker. Choe’s decision to accept company stock over cash payment turned out to be a brilliant one. At the time of Facebook’s IPO in 2012, his shares were valued at approximately $200 million. Given Facebook’s stock’s subsequent increase, his net worth could have reached anywhere between $300 million to $500 million.
In addition to his work with Facebook, Choe has held solo exhibitions in various cities, including New York and London. He has also ventured into watercolors and engaged in charitable works, supporting causes like fundraising for Haiti.
Family
While David Choe’s career and artistic endeavors are well-documented, he has generally kept his personal life out of the spotlight. There is limited publicly available information about his family life, including details about a spouse or children. Choe has primarily focused on his art and public projects.
Sources of Income
- Artistic Ventures: David Choe’s primary source of income is his art. He is known for his unique style and has held numerous exhibitions worldwide, which have likely contributed significantly to his earnings.
- Facebook Stock: Choe’s decision to accept Facebook stock in exchange for his work in decorating the company’s offices has been a major source of wealth. His shares in the social media giant have been highly lucrative.
- Graphic Novels: Choe has authored and self-published graphic novels, including “Slow Jams,” which have added to his income.
Net Worth Figure and Rankings
As of the available information, David Choe’s net worth is estimated at $300 million. His wealth primarily stems from his association with Facebook and his successful art career. While his net worth figure might have fluctuated over the years due to stock market dynamics, this estimate provides a snapshot of his financial standing.
Lifestyle and Expenses
While David Choe’s net worth is substantial, it’s essential to note that maintaining a high-end lifestyle can come with significant expenses. He has reportedly invested in real estate, including a mansion in Los Feliz, Los Angeles, which he listed for sale at $6.9 million in September 2022. High-end living, art collections, and charitable contributions can all be factors affecting his expenses.
Controversies/Financial Challenges
David Choe’s life and career have not been without controversies. He faced criticism for his comments in a podcast about engaging in “rapey behavior,” though he later explained it as a work of fiction. Additionally, his involvement in a mural project faced protests, highlighting issues related to sexual assault and rape culture.
Conclusion
David Choe’s journey from a graffiti artist to a millionaire artist and Facebook stockholder is a remarkable story of talent and opportunity. His decision to accept stock over cash payment for decorating Facebook’s offices is a testament to his financial acumen. While controversies have surrounded him, Choe’s contributions to the art world and his charitable works have left an indelible mark. His net worth of $300 million reflects his successful career and the unique path he has traveled.
FAQs
Why is David Choe worth so much?
David Choe’s substantial net worth of $300 million is primarily due to his early decision to accept Facebook stock for artwork, his successful art career, and media exposure through magazines and documentaries.
Who is the richest graffiti artist?
David Choe was considered one of the wealthiest street artists, primarily due to his lucrative investment in Facebook stock. While it’s challenging to determine the absolute richest graffiti artist, Choe’s financial success stands out in the street art world.
How much is David Choe’s art worth?
David Choe’s artwork has been sold at auction with realized prices that vary based on factors such as the size and medium of the piece. These realized prices have ranged from as low as $199 to as high as $32,760, reflecting the diversity and demand for his art in the market. Keep in mind that the value of his artwork can fluctuate over time and may vary based on the specific piece and its significance in the art world.
Did David Choe sell his stock?
David Choe did sell some of his Facebook stock holdings in the past, while still retaining a substantial portion of his shares. As of the provided information, he continues to have an estimated net worth of hundreds of millions of dollars. This decision allowed him to secure a portion of his wealth while maintaining significant financial assets.
Featured Image Credits: Eckenroth/Getty Images
