Yoo Youngkuk (1916–2002) led an extraordinary life, becoming a pioneer of post-war abstract art in Korea and beyond.
After studying painting and immersing himself in the avant-garde in Tokyo, Yoo returned to Korea in 1943. The turbulence of the Second World War (1939–1945) and the Korean War (1950–1953) forced him to alternate between creating art and working more menial jobs such as fishing, selling firewood, and making soju. Through these experiences, Yoo bore witness to the chaos of the world and the unyielding resilience of landscapes amid the challenges of war and political turmoil.
By the mid-1950s, he was finally able to devote himself to painting. Employing triangles, rectangles, and ovals, he crafted striking compositions symbolising Korea's mountains and horizons. With vibrant colours and sharp black lines, Yoo's oil on canvas landscapes evoke joy, portraying the enduring spirit of nature in the face of an ever-changing world.
In March 2023, PKM Gallery and Pace Gallery announced their joint representation of Yoo's estate. For Yoo's first solo exhibition outside of Korea, titled Mountain Within, Pace Gallery in New York is showing paintings made from 1965 to 1995.
The exhibition opened on 10 November and continues until 22 December.
