Yoo Youngkuk

Yoo Youngkuk was a renowned Korean artist known for his unique and captivating abstract paintings. Yoo Youngkuk made the motif of his art the majestic presence of the mountain.

Biography of Yoo Youngkuk

Yoo Youngkuk, known as YYK, was born in Uljin County, in the mountainous Gangwon province, in 1916. After completing his elementary education in Uljin, YYK relocated to Seoul, where he sought admission to the prestigious Chei Kobo.

During his time at Chei Kobo, YYK experienced a distressing incident when his teacher asked him to spy on his fellow students. YYK refused to comply and faced physical punishment. As a result, he left the school and went to Japan. He traveled to Yokohama with the intention of enrolling in a merchant marine academy, aspiring to become an officer on commercial cargo ships.

Upon discovering that a high school diploma was required to apply to the merchant marine academy in Yokohama, YYK reconsidered his plans. He enrolled in the oil-painting department of Bunka Gakuin College in Tokyo. While studying there, YYK decided to specialize in abstract painting.

YYK made a remarkable debut in the art scene at the 7th exhibition of the Independent Artists Association in 1937. He also participated in the Jiyu-ten exhibitions, organized by the Association of Free Artists. His exceptional talent was recognized when he won the grand prize at the second exhibition in 1938. This achievement prompted him to become involved in the mainstream of the Japanese avant-garde movement. Unfortunately, all the valuable artworks created by Youngkuk during this period were lost due to the Korean War.

YYK decided to return to his homeland of Korea in 1943. Upon his return, he began a new chapter of his life by marrying Kim Kisoon the following year. In 1947,  Yoo Youngkuk was offered a full-time position as an instructor at the Fine Art Department of Seoul National University. 

During the tumultuous period of the Korean War, when Seoul was briefly occupied by the North Korean Army, Yoo Youngkuk and his family faced immense hardship, struggling with severe hunger and poverty. As the threat of a second occupation of Seoul loomed in January 1951, YYK made the difficult decision to escape to Uljin. Later, despite achieving financial success in Uljin, YYK returned to Seoul to devote himself to his artistic calling.

In 1961, YYK was elected as the representative of the Association of Modern Artists. With a clear vision and unwavering determination, YYK prioritized his artistic growth and prepared for a milestone event in his career. He resigned in order to focus on his first solo exhibition scheduled in 1964.

Yoo Youngkuk and Art Groups

In collaboration with esteemed artists Kim Whanki and Lee Kyusang, YYK played a pivotal role in the formation of Sinsasil-pa, an influential artist group in Korea. Together, they organized and presented the group's inaugural exhibition at the Hwashin department store gallery in Seoul in 1948.  

Despite the challenges posed by the backdrop of the Korean War, Sinsasil-pa persevered, holding their third exhibition in Busan, a testament to their unwavering dedication to their artistic vision. The group's activities and exhibitions continued to flourish until 1953.

YYK became a founding member of the Modern Art Association, founded in 1957.  However, in 1964, after years of exhibiting collaboratively, Yoo decided to part ways with the established art groups.

Yoo Youngkuk's art style

YYK's artistic style is distinguished by a visual language that showcases his mastery of color and expressive brushwork. 

Youngkuk's paintings often depict nature, drawing inspiration from the landscapes of Uljin and Korea. The artist experimented with different ways of painting elements of landscapes, including mountains. 

During 1955–1958, Youngkuk's paintings displayed intricate and diverse compositions and thick and strong outlines. In his 50s, YYK delved into the realm of geometric abstraction, exploring geometrical forms and primary colors. Later, from 1973 to 1979, YYK created artworks characterized by softer colors and softer lines.

In many ways, Youngkuk's work is influenced by Russian Constructivism, Suprematism, and Neo-Plasticism.

YYK's passion for artistic exploration extended beyond the realm of painting. In addition to his pursuits in oil painting, he also honed his skills in photography at the Oriental Photography School in Tokyo.

Exhibitions of Yoo Youngkuk

Artwork of Yoo Youngkuk has been exhibited in solo and group shows worldwide. 

Exhibitions include "Colors of Yoo Youngkuk," Kukje Gallery, Seoul (2022); "Encounters Between Korean Art and Literature in the Modern Age," National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Deoksugung, Seoul (2021); "Colors from Nature," Kukje Gallery, Seoul (2018); "Re appreciated: Korean and Japanese Modern Artists in the Korean Peninsula 1890s to 1960s," the Museum of Modern Art, Kanagawa (2015).