Become a My Ocula member for exclusive access to contemporary art and personalised artist recommendations.
Join Us Sign In
The Art World in Focus
Clear
HWANG Gyutae

HWANG GYUTAE

Thousands of Colors, 60 Years Arario Gallery 25 April–8 October 2023 Cheonan
Overview Artworks Location
Request Prices & Availability
Press Release

Arario Gallery Cheonan will be hosting a solo exhibition titled Thousands of Colors, 60 Years featuring the pioneering work of HWANG Gyutae (b. 1938), a leading figure in Korean avant-garde photography, from April 25th to October 8th, 2023. HWANG has always pursued experimentation and innovation in the field of photography, rather than conforming to mainstream or trends. Since his debut in the 1960s, he has been at the forefront of experimental photography, attempting various techniques such as burning films, appropriation and re-composition, analog montages, multiple exposures, and more, establishing himself as a provocative artist. In the 1980s, his interest shifted to digital images, leading him to explore digital montages, collages, and other experiments. From the 1990s onwards, he discovered the ‘pixels,’ the smallest units that make up an image, within digital images, and became absorbed in the infinite possibilities and visual playfulness of these geometric images, starting his “Pixel” series and continuing his passionate work until today.

However, it is not enough to evaluate HWANG’s work solely based on his pioneering experimental spirit and attempts. The true uniqueness of HWANG’s works lies in his curious desire for beauty and his cold yet warm gaze towards society that is evident throughout his photographs. The driving force that allowed the artist to continue his technical experiments and transformations for over 60 years undoubtedly originates from his curious desire for beauty, constantly seeking new aesthetics through the medium of photography. His attitude towards exploring beauty at that time was not limited to serious adherence to aesthetic norms, but rather free and unconstrained, resembling a young child at play. As a result, he approached various experiments and attempts without hesitation, and his visual outcomes were always bold and ahead of his time. At the same time, HWANG’s works are rooted in the artist’s gaze towards society. They reflect a melancholic or critical view of society, such as environmental issues, technological disasters, or the end of humanity based on the spirit of the times, as well as deeply emotional gazes towards ordinary subjects or nature. Despite the many adjectives and praises for HWANG as a pioneer of technical experimentation in photography, ultimately, photography is for him a tool to express subjective emotions rather than a gaze that simply captures and records objects. In this exhibition, I hope that you can experience both his sharp experimental spirit that has led him to be ahead of his time for 60 years, and his childlike aesthetic exploration and emotional gaze simultaneously through the results of his work.

HWANG Gyutae was born in Yesan, Chungcheongnam-do in 1938, graduated from Dongguk University’s Department of Political Science, and then went on to become a photographer after working as a photographer at Kyunghyang Newspaper Cooperation. Starting with his solo exhibition at the Seoul Press Center in 1973, he participated in a total of 19 solo exhibitions and group exhibitions at Kumho Museum of Art, Art Sonje Center, National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul Museum of Art, and Museum Hanmi.

Read More

Installation Views

Also Exhibiting at Arario Gallery

All Exhibitions
GROUP EXHIBITION
GROUP EXHIBITION The Other Measure Arario Gallery 10 July–5 September 2026 Shanghai
About the Gallery

ARARIO GALLERY CHEONAN, which stems from the founder KIM Chang-Il’s passion for the arts, has been integral in introducing contemporary art to Korea. The gallery has contributed to the advancement of its regional cultural industry and continues to extend the vision of the art world through numerous special exhibition programs. Some key exhibitions include solo exhibitions by KANG Hyung Koo (2007), Sigma Polke (2004), and Keith Haring (2002), as well as group exhibitions featuring young Korean artists (2022), young Chinese artists (2011), contemporary Southeast Asian artists (2010), and young Leipzig painters (2005) among many others. The Cheonan location aims to expand its cultural program for the enjoyment of a wider audience and to devote itself to being a representative platform for contemporary art both regionally and internationally.

View Gallery Profile
Address
43 Mannam-ro
Dongnam-gu
Cheonan
South Korea
Opening Hours
Monday – Sunday
11am – 7pm

Closed once a month on Shinsegae Cheonan-Asan Department Store's closing day [the closing day is different each month], for exhibition preperation period, New Year's Day and Chuseok.
(1)
Cheonan 43 Mannam-ro, Dongnam-gu
Arario Gallery contemporary art gallery in Cheonan South Korea
Arario Gallery
43 Mannam-ro, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan, South Korea
+82 41 551 5100
http://www.arariogallery.com

Opening hours
Monday – Sunday
11am – 7pm

Closed once a month on Shinsegae Cheonan-Asan Department Store's closing day [the closing day is different each month], for exhibition preperation period, New Year's Day and Chuseok.
Magazine Gallery Platform Advisory
Ocula Magazine

A respected voice in contemporary art discourse.

Focusing on ambitious storytelling and insightful art-world commentary. Ocula Magazine publishes in-depth interviews, critical essays and timely analysis on the artists, exhibitions and ideas driving the global art world.

 Learn more about Ocula Magazine Learn more about Ocula Magazine Ocula Gallery Platform

Showcasing the best of the art world.

Ocula partners with galleries from around the world to highlight their artists, artworks and exhibitions. Gallery membership is by application and invitation, with each member vetted by an independent panel.

 Learn more about Ocula Membership Learn more about Ocula Membership Ocula Advisory

Specialises in the sale of major artworks.

Led by a team with deep ties to the world’s leading auction houses, galleries and collectors. Ocula’s advisory team offers bespoke services to high-net-worth clients from around the world who are looking to acquire the best of contemporary and modern art.

 Learn more about our team and services Learn more about Ocula Advisory
The art world in focus