Yoo Youngkuk
Born in Uljin, 1916
Yoo Youngkuk developed a distinctive visual language marked by bold color fields and expressive paint applications.
Exploring his personal connection with nature, particularly Uljin‘s diverse landscape, Yoo’s work evolved into abstract realms, capturing the essence of the natural world through painterly distillation. Studying under Murai Masanari in Tokyo, Yoo gained recognition in the Japanese art scene before returning to Korea amidst historic crises like World War II and the Korean War. Despite upheavals, his dedication to art remained steadfast, leading artistic groups and revitalizing Korean art. Posthumously, Yoo’s acclaim has grown with major retrospectives and international exhibitions, securing his legacy in leading art institutions worldwide, with his estate represented by Pace and PKM Galleries.
